The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Alexander Kirk (MCSN: 0-89986), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-164), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 August 1967. Captain Kirk was flying as the Pilot of the second aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 helicopters on an emergency mission to extract a Marine reconnaissance team which was under attack in the A Shau Valley. While Captain Kirk orbited a short distance away, the first aircraft made its final approach to the zone to lift out the besieged patrol. As the members of the team climbed aboard, the helicopter was struck by a large caliber enemy weapon, lost power, rolled inverted and skidded down the side of a hill. Without hesitation, and fully aware of the dangerous situation, Captain Kirk directed his UH-1E gunship escorts to provide suppressive fire and began his approach to the zone. Despite intense enemy fire on his final approach, he calmly brought his helicopter to a precarious hover with the left main landing gear resting on the edge of a bomb crater. Without regard for his own safety, in the face of the withering volume of enemy fire, Captain Kirk held his aircraft nearly motionless as the injured and wounded survivors from the first aircraft and the remaining members of the reconnaissance team climbed aboard. Still receiving heavy enemy fire, and heavily loaded with his own crew, that of the first aircraft, and the remaining members of the reconnaissance team, Captain Kirk lifted his aircraft from the zone and skillfully coaxed it over the tree tops and up a steep slope directly in his path. His extraordinary courage and professional aeronautical skill were directly responsible for the successful completion of his mission. Captain Kirk’s inspiring actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.