The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Richard Arn Kuci (MCSN: 0-58735), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Helicopter Commander, serving as Strike Leader with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-361), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, near Quang Ngai, Republic of Vietnam on 18 August 1966. Major Kuci courageously led his unescorted flight into an unsecured landing zone to insert an emergency reactionary force to protect a downed helicopter. Although subjected to intense and accurate enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, Major Kuci heroically continued his approach and led his flight to a safe landing. Major Kuci, after take-off from the landing zone, contacted the unit leader for a situation report. The reactionary force reported that the unit was under extremely heavy enemy fire from all sides of the zone; that they were taking casualties who required immediate evacuation; that the unit was already running low on ammunition; and that they needed fire support to knock out several enemy automatic weapons which were inflicting heavy casualties and jeopardizing their position. Major Kuci realized that the enemy force had set up an ambush that could very well overrun the Marine unit and capture the downed helicopter. Without hesitation Major Kuci diverted two helicopters in the area to pick up the wounded, requested armed helicopters and jet aircraft for continuous cover from the Direct Air Support Center, and requested enough transport helicopters to help lift in reinforcing troops and ammunition. Major Kuci led the reinforcement laden flight of 21 helicopters back to the ambush site. Upon his arrival over the zone there were more emergency medical evacuees to be taken out of the zone. Again, his flight encountered a hail of bullets as they descended toward the zone, but courageously and with complete disregard for his own life, Major Kuci continued his approach, determined to deliver ammunition and reinforcements, and intent upon removing the medical evacuees from the treacherous zone. In the zone, his flight was continuously subjected to a barrage of enemy automatic weapons fire. Major Kuci ordered the remainder of his flight to take off while he remained alone in the hot zone to pick up the medical evacuees. Major Kuci’s heroic actions and courage in the face of intense and accurate enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, resulted din the successful pick up of the medical evacuees and completion of the aircraft recovery mission which saved a valuable aircraft. His quick thinking in the rapidly changing situation and his coordination of the entire operation were instrumental in averting the massacre of the out-numbered U.S. Marine unit and inflicting substantial losses against the Viet Cong. His heroic leadership, and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Richard Arn Kuci (MCSN: 0-58735), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMM-361), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on October 12, 1966. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Major Kuci upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.