The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Stanley J. Novotny (MCSN: 1424826), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-163), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 March 1965. Staff Sergeant Novotny was acting as aerial gunner aboard a Marine helicopter. This aircraft was part of a seventeen plane flight whose mission was to transport Republic of Vietnam forces in an assault landing. He manned his aerial gunner’s position on three successive assault landings in a zone subject to intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire. The aircraft made a fourth landing to rescue a downed aircraft crew. Immediately, without thought of personal safety, Staff Sergeant Novotny left his aircraft and ascended the port side of the downed aircraft in an attempt to free the pilot. Unable to do this, he descended, circled the aircraft and ascended the starboard side. Although constantly exposed to enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Novotny successfully freed the paralyzed pilot. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk, Staff Sergeant Novotny upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.