VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 17, 2023) – Retired Rear Adm. Thomas Richards is presented the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action while deployed to Vietnam, Jan. 30, 1971, by Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, during an awards ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Jan. 17, 2023. The upgraded award reflects the courage, grit, and integrity of past Naval Special Warfare teammates that formed the standard upheld by today’s maritime special operators. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Owen)