The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Frederick James Wilson, III (MCSN: 0-90444), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-164), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 July 1968, Captain Wilson launched as Aircraft Commander aboard the lead aircraft in a section of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned a medical evacuation mission in support of a Marine reconnaissance team that was heavily engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force southwest of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, Captain Wilson was informed that the seriousness of the situation would require the emergency extraction of the entire team. Despite a critical shortage of fuel, he subsequently commenced an approach into the hazardous area and immediately came under a heavy volume of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, he resolutely continued to maneuver his aircraft through the intense hostile fire and executed a landing in a small zone surrounded by tall trees. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting upon the helicopter, he steadfastly remained in his dangerously exposed position until every Marine was embarked aboard his aircraft. As the helicopter departed the zone, the hostile fire increased in intensity. Although his aircraft was heavily overloaded, Captain Wilson skillfully maneuvered his helicopter away from the fire-swept area and expeditiously delivered the casualty to a medical facility. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in the safe extraction of the twelve man team. By his courage, superb aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Wilson contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.