Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Richard Louis Gruenther (ASN: 0-28711), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy. On 17 November 1950, while commanding Company C, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division, Captain Gruenther led his unit in an advance on the Division objective, the town of Kapsan, North Korea. Against strong and persistent enemy resistance, Captain Gruenther distinguished himself by skillfully directing his attack and personally moving among his men to supervise their activities. His outstanding leadership and his complete disregard for his own personal safety gave great encouragement to his troops and resulted in the successful advance of his unit to the objective. Although seriously wounded during the course of this action, he continued to direct the attack. His personal action materially aided the accomplishment of the 7th Infantry Division’s mission and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1973 – 1975
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Louis Gruenther (ASN: 0-28711), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Training and Doctrine Command, from 1973 to 1975. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gruenther culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    3d Brigade

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Louis Gruenther (ASN: 0-28711), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, in action in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969. Colonel Gruenther’s outstanding courage 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1969 – 1973
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Louis Gruenther (ASN: 0-28711), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Office of Military Instruction, United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, from 1969 to 1973. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gruenther and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1966 – 1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Louis Gruenther (ASN: 0-28711), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1966 to 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gruenther and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    3d Brigade

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1969
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Louis Gruenther (ASN: 0-28711), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Gruenther distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in 1969. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Gruenther, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    3d Brigade

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1969
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Louis Gruenther (ASN: 0-28711), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, in action in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gruenther and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.