Culver, Richard O., Maj

In addition to teaching Firearms to the Idaho Law Enforcement community, I am a self-employed writer, and the Sniper Editor of Soldier of Fortune Magazine. Retired Major of Marines Gentleman Adventurer Fancier of: Fine Weaponry Genteel and Gracious Ladies ~and~ Beagle Hounds (not necessarily in that order)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Richard O. Culver, Jr. (MCSN: 0-75696), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Company H, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 July 1967. While engaged in a company-size search and destroy mission near the village of Ap Sieu Quan during Operation BEAR CHAIN, Captain Culver had established a defensive perimeter outside the village and had deployed one platoon to search the area when the entire company came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire form an estimated North Vietnamese Army company firing from entrenched, heavily-fortified positions and sustained several casualties. Reacting immediately, he displayed exceptional courage and leadership as he exposed himself to hostile fire to move forward to a vantage point where he could more advantageously observe the action and direct the fire and movement of his men. He found that the Marines were temporarily pinned down by fire being delivered from a tree line 300 meters distant from his defensive perimeter and from positions within the village. Exhibiting an extensive knowledge of tactics, Captain Culver quickly consolidated his position, established a base of fire to cover the evacuation of the wounded and maneuvered the search platoon back to the perimeter. He then called for gunship, fixed wing and artillery support. Completely disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly moved about the perimeter in the face of heavy North Vietnamese fire to encourage his men, ensure the security of each firing position and direct he fire of the company mortars. When the gunships arrived, Captain Culver accurately directed their fire against hostile positions seventy-five meters from the front elements of his unit. Oblivious to the danger to his own life, he continued to expose himself to North Vietnamese fire to adjust rocket fire on other enemy positions. After the fixed wing aircraft arrived, he skillfully adjusted their runs directly on top of the enemy bunkers and trench lines. When all the aircraft had expended their ordnance and departed, Captain Culver called in heavy artillery and accurately adjusted their fire. Establishing a well-integrated night defensive perimeter, he was able to provide security not only for his company but also for 250 refugees who had fled to the Marines for protection. Leading a coordinated two-platoon attack against the enemy the following morning, he found that the North Vietnamese had been successfully routed and had left five dead, one rifle, several grenades, demolitions and numerous pieces of equipment. By his superior leadership, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Culver upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.