Richard B. Rossner

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard B. Rossner (1180424), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division, FMF, in Korea, on 16 November 1951. Private First Class Rossner displayed unusual courage, resourcefulness and initiative while a member of a patrol dispatched to return wounded Marines to friendly lines. The unit was brought under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, and the patrol leader, while attempting to maneuver it to cover, detonated a land mine which killed or wounded every man in the patrol. Despite the fact that he had himself been painfully wounded, he led his comrades to shelter and administered first aid. He then returned to friendly lines and guided to the scene another patrol which carried the wounded Marines to safety. His fortitude and devotion to duty were largely responsible for the safety of his comrades. Private First Class Rossner’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.