Richard Irving Neal

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to Richard Irving Neal (0-92178), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Advisor, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on May 22, 1970. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Captain Neal upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard Irving Neal (0-92178), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Forward Observer attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 and 31 March 1967, First Lieutenant Neal was serving with Company I Command Group during Operation PRAIRIE III in Quang Tri Province. The company had established a night position on Hill 70 in the vicinity of Cam Lo near the Demilitarized Zone when it came under heavy enemy mortar fire. The Command Group immediately sustained numerous casualties and the Company Commander and the Executive Officer were killed during the initial moments of the attack. Quickly and expertly assessing the tactical situation, First Lieutenant NEAL immediately assumed command of the surviving members of the Command Group and, with exceptional professional skill and resolute determination, reorganized his unit and succeeded in gaining fire superiority over the numerically superior enemy force. Closely supervising the rapidly changing situation, he courageously moved throughout the fire-swept area directing counter fire and encouraging his men. Simultaneously, he skillfully called for and directed air and artillery support, which was instrumental in forcing the enemy to break contact. As the attack diminished, First Lieutenant Neal hastily reinforced his perimeter and secured a landing zone for the evacuation of the casualties. His daring and heroic actions undoubtedly prevented the enemy from overrunning his unit’s position. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit, and courage in the face of enemy fire, First Lieutenant Neal upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.