Richard J. Pavia
Class of 1961
Advisory Team 70 (3rd Battalion,
9th Infantry Regiment, 5th ARVN Infantry Division), USMACV
Bronze Star w/Valor for heroism while serving as an assistant battalion advisor during combat operations in the Lai Khe area. When the advancing unit he was with was fired on by three concealed snipers, 1LT Pavia personally attacked the enemy positions without hesitation. His actions resulted in one wounded enemy soldier and he personally captured a second. His selfless actions served to inspire the rest of the unit to advance and sweep through the enemy position and secure the area.
Bronze Star w/Valor (OLC) for heroism while serving as battalion advisor in the An Loc area. While engaged in a clearing operation 1LT Pavia and the unit he accompanied came under intense fire from an entrenched enemy force. Disregarding his own personal safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to rescue and move to safety wounded soldiers lying in exposed locations. Concurrently he gave tactical advice to the unit commander and helped to orchestrate suppressive fires to facilitate the unit to withdraw to move favorable terrain. His decisive actions were credited with saving the lives of over 200 ARVN soldiers.
