Robert Charles Rich

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert Charles Rich (2224376), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX, First Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 March 1968, Corporal Rich launched as Crew Chief aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two armed UH-1E helicopters assigned to support a medical evacuation mission near Khe Sanh. While providing covering fire for the extraction, the second gunship was struck by enemy ground fire and crashed in an area which contained a large enemy force. After three Marines were rescued from the burning helicopter, the remaining crew member was observed crawling from the wreckage, and Corporal Rich’s pilot maneuvered his aircraft near the site to extract the injured man. In order to expedite the evacuation of the wounded man, Corporal Rich unhesitatingly jumped fifteen feet to the ground and fearlessly ran across the fireswept terrain to the side of the casualty. Ignoring the intense enemy fire impacting near him, he carried the injured man across the hazardous area and placed him aboard the aircraft. Completely disregarding his own safety, he courageously directed the pilot to become airborne while he was standing on the landing gear of the aircraft. His heroic action and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrade inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the life of a fellow Marine. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Rich upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.