Riayan A. Tejeda

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Riayan A. Tejeda, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Platoon Sergeant, Second Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM from 21 March to 11 April 2003. During numerous encounters with the enemy while advancing to Baghdad, Staff Sergeant Tejeda aggressively and fearlessly led his Marines. On 3 April 2003, his Company came under intense small arms fire from entrenched Republican Guard positions outside the city of Al Azziaiyah. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Staff Sergeant Tejeda exposed himself to enemy fire and charged into the enemy fortifications, leading his Platoon’s assault on enemy positions. He single- handedly cleared one position, killing two Republican Guard soldiers. He then led a fire team to destroy a second enemy position. On 11 April 2003, while conducting a foot mobile combat patrol in the Ur District of Baghdad, his Platoon was ambushed from multiple directions with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. Taking charge at the head of the formation, he inspired his Marines and directed them to positions to counter the enemy’s attack. While bravely leading and fighting beside his Marines, he was stuck by enemy fire and mortally wounded. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Tejeda reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.