David Allen Richwine

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to David Allen Richwine (0-91490), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a platoon commander with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 July 1966. During Operations Hastings, Second Lieutenant Richwine’s platoon was assigned to the left flank in a company perimeter defense. In the evening hours, a North Vietnamese force launched a company-sized attack on his position with heavy automatic weapons fire and grenades. Reacting instantly, he quickly briefed his squad leaders and directed his platoon’s fire upon the enemy while exposing himself consistently to the intense fire. Displaying exceptional leadership and initiative, he moved from position to position shouting encouragement and rallying his men. When the enemy approached to within 50 meters to attempt suicide attacks, Second Lieutenant Richwine courageously braved hostile fire to lead his men in repulsing the fierce charge. As the platoon began to run short of ammunition, he personally redistributed it to those who needed it most. His outstanding leadership served as an inspiring example to his men and was a significant factor in successfully repelling the attack which resulted in 32 enemy dead. By his exceptional courage, initiative, and unfaltering dedication to duty, Second Lieutenant Richwine upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.