The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Vernon J. Fadden, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 4th Battalion (Aerial Artillery), 77th Artillery (Airmobile), 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Laos. Captain Fadden distinguished himself on 20 February 1971 while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G armed helicopter in support of Army of the Republic of Vietnam ground troops in Laos. An Army of the Republic of Vietnam landing zone was under heavy enemy siege and on the verge of being overrun. Captain Fadden immediately flew to the contact area with only one accompanying aircraft and, despite intense hostile ground fire, delivered suppressive fire on the advancing enemy troops along the perimeter. His effective rocket fire forced the enemy to withdraw long enough for him to return and refuel his big aircraft and return with an armed helicopter team. The unyielding enemy troops around the landing zone had increased to an estimated two regiments, and Captain Fadden successfully led his team in repelling the enemy attack. His actions were instrumental in saving lives of Army of the Republic of Vietnam soldiers and one downed American crewmember in the landing zone. Captain Fadden’s gallantry in actions was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.