The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Richard Roy Bellwood (ASN: US-52772490), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Bellwood distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 January 1969 while serving as a Scout Observer with Company E, 50th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a long range reconnaissance patrol in Dinh Tuong Province. As his patrol neared a woodline, they came under an intense barrage of hostile fire from a numerically superior enemy force. Standing completely exposed to the murderous hail of fire, Specialist Bellwood courageously engaged the enemy with his rifle, quickly silencing two of the nearest hostile emplacements and giving his comrades time to reach cover. As he continued to lay down a heavy base of suppressive fire, he was mortally wounded by an enemy round. Specialist Fourth Class Bellwood’s extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.