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 Sergeant First Class Richard B. Garrett (ASN: RA-26793350), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 7 February 1969 while serving as the platoon leader of the 2d Platoon, Troop K, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while he was leading a dismounted reconnaissance patrol through an area of dense vegetation, the element suddenly came upon a well-concealed enemy bunker. Immediately assuming the point man’s position, Sergeant Garrett approached the enemy fortification in order to search it. Suddenly several enemy soldiers hidden in the bunker threw two grenades at the friendly troops, wounding Sergeant Garrett. Refusing medical attention, he directed his men in an assault upon the hostile position, resulting in two enemy soldiers killed and one captured. Despite his wounds, he continued his mission with the patrol and discovered another hostile position. Rather than risk the lives of the men with him, Sergeant Garrett, with two volunteers, assaulted the enemy fortification. Before they could overrun the position, another fragmentation grenade wounded all three men. While he was calling for medical aid for his two comrades, Sergeant Garrett was mortally wounded by a second detonation. Sergeant First Class Garrett’s extraordinary courage, inspiring leadership and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.