Real American Heroes

Richard M. Rees’ Silver Star

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

ESTABLISHED BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS 9 JULY 1918 (AMENDED BY ACT OF 25 JULY 1963) AND AWARDED BY THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SILVER STAR MEDAL

PRESENTED TO
CAPTAIN (INFANTRY) RICHARD MORGAN REES
UNITED STATES ARMY

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Richard Morgan Rees, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 11 April 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam while assigned to Detachment A-302, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group. On this date a two-company task force engaged a well-entrenched and determined enemy force at approximately 1300 hours, while the Special forces unit was performing a search and destroy mission. During the ensuing action, Captain Rees exposed himself to vicious and deadly enemy fire while extricating his seriously wounded Task Force Commander and an enlisted member of the unit. He then took command of the American force, successfully overran the enemy positions and assured the evacuation of all friendly casualties. His determined actions and outstanding bravery in the fierce combat action became an inspiration to his troops and did much to assure their victory on that date. Captain Rees’ performance of duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.


Home of record: Kent, Ohio… Assigned to the Joint Casualty Resolution Center, Rees was killed during an ambush on Dec. 15, 1973 while attempting to locate remains of a crashed UH-1 crew member… Also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross

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