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 Staff Sergeant Kenneth B. Yeisley (ASN: RA-531323820), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Troop C, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Yeisley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 30 December 1969, while serving as observer during a search and rescue mission near Song Be, Republic of Vietnam. Flying to the site of a downed aircraft and coming under fire from enemy automatic weapons and heavy machine guns, Staff Sergeant Yeisley leaned far out of his craft as he placed accurate suppressive fire on the hostiles. When sighting the wounded pilot, he climbed onto the skid exposing himself to the enemy fire as he directed the pilot to an area more suitable for the hazardous rescue. Dropping twenty feet into the heavy bamboo below, he crawled to the seriously injured pilot, administered first aid, and helped him get into a medical evacuation sling. Staff Sergeant Yeisley’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.