The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Richard Rowland Brunnhoeffer (MCSN: 965621), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with a Rifle platoon in Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Group, 10 May 1945. When a bazooka gunner was wounded in an advance under heavy enemy machine-gun fire, Private Brunnhoeffer took the weapon and operated it so effectively that he succeeded in destroying a well camouflaged hostile emplacement. Determined to locate Japanese snipers who were holding up the advance of his unit, he deliberately exposed himself to draw their fire and remained in this hazardous position until he had destroyed the enemy emplacement by rifle fire, thereby permitting his company to continue its attack. His heroism and unwavering devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.