The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to First Lieutenant Robert A. Longstaff (MCSN: 0-35023), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), by successfully rescuing two pilots and one enlisted man who had crashed behind enemy lines. On 21 September 1950, Lieutenant Longstaff intercepted a radio message that a fighter pilot had been shot down behind enemy lines near the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, and that a helicopter had crashed in the same area while attempting a rescue. Without regard of the personal danger involved in landing behind enemy lines, Lieutenant Longstaff immediately requested a fighter escort and proceeded to the scene of the crash. Upon arrival he assisted in getting the injured pilot aboard his helicopter and insisted on taking the other two people even though it meant taking off and flying in a dangerously overloaded condition. As a result of his actions, three people were saved from capture by the enemy. His display of gallantry greatly reflects credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.