The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Joseph L. Freitas, Jr. (MCSN: 0-20266), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Helicopter in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6) in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 14 September 1952. Receiving an urgent request for a helicopter evacuation for a critically wounded Marine, Major Freitas immediately left the main squadron base and skillfully piloted his aircraft through total darkness and intense fog to a position directly over the helicopter strip at the battalion command post. Despite the lack of communications and the increasing density of the fog, he expertly guided the helicopter, with the aid of only two ordinary flashlights, to the otherwise invisible strip. After receiving the casualty, he again flew his aircraft through the heavy fog and successfully evacuated the severely wounded man. By his superb airmanship, outstanding courage and inspiring initiative, Major Freitas was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow Marine and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.