Citation

First Sergeant Richard L. Childers. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam; First Sergeant Childers distinguished himself by exceptionally Valorous actions on 26 May 1967 while serving as First Sergeant of an infantry company on a search and destroy mission forty miles from Pleiku. Sergeant Childers' company was attacked by a battalion of North Vietnamese regulars using automatic weapons, rockets and mortars. He took charge of the company in the early moments of the battle when both the company commander and platoon leader were killed. After immediately forming his men into a defensive perimeter, he established radio contact with battalion headquarters to keep them informed of the situation and setup resupply points for ammunition and water. On several occasions he braved withering fire to crawl to the aid of his wounded men and assist them to safety. Continually ignoring the extreme danger Sergeant Childers moved throughout the company directing fire and rallying his men. Painfully wounded in the later stages of the battle he refused medical aid as long as the enemy continued to attack. His dauntless courage and remarkable leadership inspired his men to fight fiercely until the reinforcements arrived. First Sergeant Childers' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.