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 Staff Sergeant Reed K. Richens (ASN: US-56648537), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 24 November 1968 while serving with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a reconnaissance operation in dense jungle, the troop was suddenly subjected to intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well-fortified enemy force. A friendly soldier who was seriously wounded in the initial bust of fire was pinned down only fifteen meters from a well concealed and heavily fortified enemy position. Even though the friendly soldiers could not place suppressive fire on the position because they would possibly hit the friendly casualty, Sergeant Richens ran through the hostile fire to aid his comrade. With virtually no protection against the enemy machine gun fire, he administered first aid and then carried the casualty to an evacuation site. Staff Sergeant Richens’ exceptional courage and deep concern for the life and welfare of his comrade were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.