The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Charles A. Masten, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 November 1970 as a member of an all-volunteer joint U.S. Army and Air Force raiding force in the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed heliborne assault mission to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam. This valiant effort was motivated by deep compassion for his imprisoned fellow men-at-arms, and by a strong sense of military duty and national pride. Sergeant Masten, the Senior Pathfinder, was given the mission of establishing the primary and alternate landing zones for the recovery helicopters. Upon debarking from the helicopter in which he was riding, Sergeant Masten came under enemy fire. Single-handed, he assaulted the enemy’s position and succeeded in driving the enemy from the objective area. After clearing the prison pumping station of enemy personnel, Sergeant Masten moved to set up the landing zone. Realizing the importance of his mission, Sergeant Masten, with complete disregard for his personal safety, continued his work, exposing himself time and time again to enemy fire. Sergeant Masten’s extraordinary heroism and determination contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His daring skill, extraordinary heroism against an armed hostile force, and extreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.