The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Lawrence James Flanagan (MCSN: 0-57065), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-362), Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 May 1967 during Operation UNION II, Major Flanagan launched as Leader of a section of two UH-34 transport helicopters on a mission to evacuate several Marine casualties from a battle zone northeast of Tam Ky. Upon arrival over the hostile area, he was briefed by the ground troops, assessed the situation and commenced his approach into the zone. Although his aircraft came under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire as he neared the landing zone, Major Flanagan fearlessly continued his approach and landed his aircraft safely. As the first casualty was being placed aboard, several enemy mortar rounds exploded in proximity to the helicopter causing extensive damage and wounding the copilot. Displaying sound judgment and concern for the safety of his crew, Major Flanagan quickly lifted out of the zone and orbited out of range of enemy fire until he had assessed the extent of damage to his aircraft and the condition of his wounded copilot. Deciding that he could maintain control of his damaged helicopter and assured that his copilot was in good condition, he prepared to complete the evacuation mission. With exceptional aeronautical skill and resolute courage, Major Flanagan maneuvered his aircraft into the zone, embarked the remaining casualties and departed, skillfully evading enemy small arms fire. After delivering the wounded Marines to the medical facility at Tam Ky, he obtained another aircraft and crew and led his section on numerous emergency re-supply missions throughout the afternoon. Later in the day, Major Flanagan launched on an ammunition re-supply and medical evacuation mission in support of the same beleaguered unit he had assisted earlier in the day. Forced to orbit in the hostile area while the ground troops attempted to suppress enemy fire and move the casualties to the landing zone, he exhausted his fuel supply and departed for refueling. Expeditiously returning to the landing zone, Major Flanagan dauntlessly commenced his approach, fully aware that the area remained extremely hazardous. Entering the zone under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, he landed and his crew rapidly unloaded the critical ammunition supply while the ground troops carried the wounded men to the aircraft. Although his aircraft sustained extensive damage from the constant enemy fire and two of his crewmen were wounded, Major Flanagan steadfastly remained in the zone until the casualties were safely aboard. Then, demonstrating superior airmanship, he maneuvered out of the zone, evading the persistent enemy fire, and returned to the Tam Ky hospital. When he learned that additional casualties had been sustained by the besieged unit, Major Flanagan unhesitatingly checked his aircraft, rallied his crew and was en route to evacuate the wounded Marines when informed that other aircraft in the area had accomplished the mission. His indomitable determination and compassionate spirit were an inspiration to his fellow Marines and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the dangerous missions. By his exceptional professional ability, extraordinary courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Major Flanagan upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.