The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Eshard Charles Hertberg (MCSN: 0-64604), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-164). On 11 May 1972, while leading a second wave of assault helicopters, lifting a battalion of Vietnamese Marines into a landing zone behind enemy lines northeast of Quang Tri City, Republic of Vietnam, Lieutenant Colonel Hertberg began receiving heavy enemy ground fire. Despite multiple hits to his aircraft and numerous reports of heavy ground fire from aircraft in the first wave, he coolly and expeditiously led his flight to the designated landing zone. Minutes after lifting from the landing zone, the second section leader and Lieutenant Colonel Hertberg’s wingman both reported serious battle damage. Ordering both disabled aircraft to land and the remainder to fly cover, Lieutenant Colonel Hertberg disregarded his own personal safety and unhesitatingly landed to rescue both downed aircrews. After regrouping and returning from the flight, he then insured the safe recovery of the most severely damaged aircraft prior to landing himself. His superb leadership, exceptional presence of mind and complete disregard for his own safety set an outstanding example for younger, less experienced pilots. Lieutenant Colonel Hertberg’s personal performance was a significant contributing factor in the overall success of the assault, reflected great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.