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 Major (Infantry) Richard Harold Hummel (ASN: 0-85420), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 195th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 May 1968. Major Hummel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as air mission commander of combat assault operations near Saigon. During 15 hours of intense combat flying against advancing enemy forces, Major Hummel directed his company through horrendous weather at tree top level to suppress the enemy. After an initial insertion of two companies, he vectored three of his lift helicopters into enemy surrounded terrain to deliver valuable ammunition. He also hit the enemy with devastating fire power from his low level position. When an AH-1G helicopter crashed and burst into flames, he rushed to the area with two of his lift aircraft and directed them into the crash site to evacuate the wounded crew. With total disregard for his own safety, he flew through heavy anti-aircraft fire and blasted the enemy closing on the wounded crew with all available fire power. The result was the safe extraction of crew and classified material. He then rushed to the aid of a ground element in dire need of gunship support in the populated area of Saigon. Major Hummel once again flew through the deteriorating weather, located several enemy positions, and directed his gunships’ fire against the enemy. Leaving his gunships to the command of the ground commander, he answered the call for an emergency re-supply from ground elements in need of ammunition and in heavy enemy contact. With courage and determination, he flew through intense enemy ground fire to locate the friendly positions. He vectored two re-supply aircraft into the landing zone while delivering concentrated suppressive fire into the hostile positions. Through his sound judgment and determination, the main force of the enemy was defeated. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.