The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Roger Parry Harrell (MCSN: 0-85965), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-361), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing on 31 October 1966, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Flight Leader of five UH-340 transport helicopters, Captain Harrell was assigned the mission of retracting two Marine reconnaissance patrols, surrounded and under fire by numerically superior enemy forces in isolated mountain zones, twelve miles west of Tam Ky in Quang Tin Province. Proceeding to the first patrol’s position, Captain Harrell quickly realized the perilous position of the twenty-five man team and immediately directed his wingmen to orbit while he approached the small, hastily cleared hilltop landing area. Skillfully using the ridge lines to conceal his approach, he displayed exceptional airmanship by maneuvering into the landing zone, loading the Marines aboard his aircraft and lifting out of the hazardous area utilizing a maximum power lift off. Exhibiting uncommon presence of mind and alertness, he carefully noted Viet Cong positions as he departed the zone and called in his armed helicopter escorts to suppress the enemy fire before instructing the other aircraft on the best routes into and out of the zone. By this time, the enemy had reorganized and concentrated their fire on the incoming helicopters, but following Captain Harrell’s daring example, the remaining transport aircraft pilots successfully extracted the patrol members. Steadfastly continuing his mission, he led his flight to a nearby secure area and off loaded the reconnaissance patrol members before proceeding to the second reconnaissance team of twenty-four Marines, who were also under Viet Cong attack. Although his aircraft experienced a generator failure, disabling the majority of its instruments, including the automatic stabilization system. Captain Harrell resolutely began the second extraction mission. After arriving over the hostile area, he courageously approached the landing zone and executed a difficult one-wheel hover landing, despite intense enemy fire. Simultaneously, he directed his armed helicopter escorts to deliver suppressive fire on the enemy positions. Displaying outstanding professionalism and calm courage, he waited in the fire-swept zone until his helicopter was loaded and then safely departed the area, orbiting overhead while the remaining transport helicopters completed the extraction mission. His selfless and heroic leadership undoubtedly prevented further casualties to the beleaguered reconnaissance patrols and ensured the accomplishment of the dangerous missions. By his superior aeronautical ability, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Harrell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.