The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Michael Kent Nickerson (MCSN: 0-100556), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam on 14 April 1969, First Lieutenant Nickerson launched as the Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation of a seriously wounded Marine located 3000 feet up a mountainside in a jungle area southwest of DaNang. Arriving over the designated location, he observed that the rugged terrain dictated the utilization of a hoist and, although he realized the danger of being fired upon by hostile soldiers in the vicinity, he unhesitatingly directed his aircraft to a hover over the site. As the hoist was being lowered, the transport came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from enemy soldiers occupying a ridge only 50 meters distant and sustained extensive battle damage. Although his helicopter was vibrating badly, First Lieutenant Nickerson struggled to maintain control and, when vital engine systems failed 150 feet above the trees, he displayed superb airmanship as he shouted encouragement to his crew and commenced guiding the crippled aircraft to an upright landing in the jungle canopy. Although he was mortally wounded during the emergency landing, his heroic and timely actions were instrumental in saving the lives of four crew members. By his courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Nickerson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.