Richard D. Boyle

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard D. Boyle, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army. For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 May 1969. Lieutenant Colonel Boyle distinguished himself in connection with military operations in the vicinity of Fire Support Base Professional, Republic of Vietnam. On the cited date, Battery C, 1st Battalion, 14th Artillery, while reinforcing the fires of the 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, was attacked by mortar, rocket, recoilless rifle and small arms fire resulting in two friendly troops killed and six wounded. Colonel Boyle, Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, landed his Command and Control ship at Fire Support Base Professional in the midst of devastating hostile fire. He moved throughout the fire base while under intense fire in order to identify the areas from which the enemy fires were being directed. He went to the Fire Direction Center and ordered suppressive fires placed on the enemy positions. This action resulted in a decrease in the intensity of the enemy fire and enabled mortars and artillery at Fire Support Base Professional to commence firing. He then departed the fire support base under fire and flew to the enemy weapons positions in order to adjust the artillery. The plan that Colonel Boyle developed and executed resulted in drastically reducing enemy activity in the area of the fire support base. Colonel Boyle’s personal bravery and devotion 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.
By direction of the President of the United States under provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.