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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Richard Maloy (ASN: OF-107239), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop K, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Maloy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 July 1967, while serving as a platoon leader on a mission to reinforce elements of his troop who were under heavy attack from an estimated battalion of Viet Cong. Entering the area of intense battle, the unit suddenly came under a fierce volume of recoilless rifle, automatic weapons, and small arms fire. Refusing to leave the hazardous position of the commander’s cupola, Lieutenant Maloy began directing an extremely accurate volley of suppressive fire upon the attackers. Displaying inspirational leadership, Lieutenant Maloy gallantly remained fully exposed to the well-armed insurgents as he shouted encouragement and instructions to his men. For more than one hour of close combat, Lieutenant Maloy courageously resisted and repelled enemy attempts to overrun his position. When contact with the enemy was broken, Lieutenant Maloy called for medical helicopters to evacuate the wounded personnel. First Lieutenant Maloy’s extraordinary heroism while engaged in close combat with a numerically superior Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.