CSM Richard Allan Schaaf was a member of HHC, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Calvary Division. On 08 August 66 he had volunteered to accompany 3rd Platoon A Company into the Ia Drang Valley near the Chu Pong Massif during Operation Paul Revere II. Contact with the enemy was made by point elements of 3rd Platoon and they pursued the enemy. They were immediately hit by at least three heavy enemy machine-guns cutting them off from the rest of the company. Reinforcements were requested and B and C Companies were air assaulted east of the contact area. The 3rd Platoon attempted to make its way back to link up with the main body company. During this time the medic was severely wounded and CSM Richard Schaaf and Platoon Sergeant Francisco Roig gave him aid while also covering the withdrawal of those pinned down and wounded.
      The wounded medic was moved into the area of a small creekbed and while there was struck again by enemy fire and killed. At this time both CSM Schaaf and Platoon Sergeant Roig came under heavy enemy fire. CSM Schaaf was hit several times by automatic weapons fire and killed. Platoon Sergeant Roig was able to lead the platoon to safety while personally beating off several enemy attacks on his beleaguered men.

   Richard Allan Schaaf, SMAJ, USA