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 Private First Class Richard H. Adler, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as an Infantryman with Company D, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division, during combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 August 1969. Private First Class Adler distinguished himself when his unit was ambushed during a search and destroy operation. While under intense enemy fire from an estimated battalion size force of North Vietnamese Army, Private Adler rushed forward to help establish a perimeter and was wounded by a mortar round. Despite his wounds, Private Adler maintained his position and eliminated several enemy soldiers while doing so. Throughout the next several hours, Private Adler continued to hold his position, helped redistribute ammunition and offered words of encouragement to his fellow soldiers. During this time period Private Adler was wounded a second and third time, but refused to leave his position until he was no longer able to move. Private First Class Adler’s personal heroism was an inspiration to others and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.