RICHARD J. MYERS. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Myers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in the early hours of 13 August 1968 near Tam Binh Village. While Private Myers’ platoon was waiting at an ambush location it suddenly came under a mortar barrage, followed by a ground attack from an estimated company-size Viet Cong force. The communists concentated their assault against the right flank position being defended by Private Myers and six other men. Enemy rocket-propelled grenades, automatic weapons and grenade fire caused severe casualties, and soon only two men besides himself were able to fight. Private Myers fired his grenade launcher, threw hand grenades and gave instructions to his two comrades, while courageously holding off the communists. When another man was seriously wounded and after it was discovered that the M16 rifle could not be employed because the muzzle flashes and tracer rounds pinpointed the position, Private Myers was left with the responsibility of stopping the foe. Although he was himself wounded in the shoulder and hand by fragments, he continued to fire his grenade launcher at the aggressors and repelled repeated assaults. During lulls in the battle, he set up claymore mines and collected hand grenades from the casualties to use against the enemy. With the aid of artillery, gun ships and two other platoons, the Viet Cong were finally forced to flee and the wounded were evacuated. Private First Class Myers’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions fo the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Mr. Myers resides in West Virginia.