UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS HEADQUARTERS, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FPO, SAN FRANCISCO, 96602

for service as set forth in the following

        CITATION:

    "For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam.  During a night emergency resupply mission on 5 March 1966, during Operation Utah, First Lieutenant RICHARDSON exhibited exceptional airmanship and extreme courage in the face of intense enemy fire.  With a cargo of desperately needed ammunition for an infantry company which was in imminent danger of being overrun, he skillfully located the landing zone and approached under an intense hail of enemy fire converging on the aircraft from all sides.  Forced to wave off, he ascended to a safe altitude and informed the ground unit of his intention to drop the cargo during a low pass across the drop zone.  Receiving word that the zone had been cleared of friendly troops, a second approach was initiated and, as the aircraft rolled into final approach, the intense fire resumed.  Undaunted by the dangerous situation and the fact that his aircraft already had sustained numerous hits, First Lieutenant RICHARDSON continued his approach through the deadly and withering fusillade to drop the sorely needed cargo.  Although his aircraft received a total of seventeen hits, First Lieutenant RICHARDSON'S determination and professional skill in the face of enemy fire resulted in the successful replenishment of the ground unit, enabling the besieged Marines to continue their battle against the Viet Cong.  First Lieutenant RICHARDSON'S courage, sense of responsibility and superior airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

/s/ V. H. Krulak

V. H. KRULAK
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING