The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Ernest Donofrio, Jr. (MCSN: 2237518), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-165), Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX (MAG-36), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1967, Lance Corporal Donofrio launched as Aerial Gunner aboard a CH-46A transport helicopter assigned an emergency medical evacuation mission to extract several seriously wounded Marines from a zone near Nui Dang. As his aircraft approached the pickup zone, it came under intense enemy ground fire and received several hits, wounding Lance Corporal Donofrio in the leg and injuring a companion. Quickly regaining his feet, he manned his machine gun and directed accurate suppressive fire against the enemy until he was again knocked to the floor as he sustained a serious shoulder wound. With resolute determination, he courageously returned to his weapon and continued to engage the enemy by fire. Upon landing, he was informed that the cargo ramp controls had been destroyed as a result of the heavy volume of enemy ground fire. Unhesitatingly exposing himself to hostile fire, Lance Corporal Donofrio disembarked from the helicopter into the fire-swept area and assisted the seriously wounded Marines aboard the aircraft, despite his own painful injuries. As his helicopter departed the zone, he struggled to his machine gun and provided accurate covering fire. His courageous actions and aggressive fighting spirit were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of twelve Marines. By his steadfast courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Lance Corporal Donofrio upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.