Thomas A. Richards

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas A. Richards (2417861), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism on 5 and 6 June 1969 as a Fire Team Leader with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, during operations against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. When his platoon initiated contact with a company-sized hostile force occupying well-camouflaged positions on a cliff overlooking a trail, and were subjected to a heavy volume of fire, Corporal Richards, during the initial attack, skillfully regrouped his platoon and led his men in a counterattack, enabling them to establish a defensive perimeter. Throughout the night, he assisted in countering enemy attacks and in moving casualties to areas of relative safety. Although wounded by fragments of an enemy grenade, he steadfastly refused to be evacuated in order to remain with his men and continue the fight. Observing that a machine gun in his area was dangerously short of ammunition, he made several trips across the fire-swept zone to obtain and replenish ammunition for the weapon. When the machine gunner and assistant gunner sustained wounds, Corporal Richards unhesitatingly dashed to the gun position and, although exposed to the brunt of the enemy attack, concentrated a heavy volume of fire on the hostile troops, causing the attack to falter long enough for the Marines to repulse it. His gallant actions resulted in the death of eight enemy soldiers and prevented the Marine perimeter from being penetrated. Through his superb leadership, courage, initiative, and inspiring dedication, he contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.