The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Laurance Stanley Nowak (MCSN: 0-92686), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) with the O-1 Detachment, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron SIXTEEN, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 October 1967, after controlling a successful fixed wing strike against a target north of the Ben Hai River in North Vietnam, First Lieutenant Nowak was departing the area when he learned that one of the attack jet aircraft had sustained severe damage from enemy anti-aircraft fire and was headed out to sea. As the stricken aircraft was about to crash, the pilot and radar intercept officer aboard ejected over North Vietnam. Observing one of the Marines land approximately three miles northeast of the target, First Lieutenant Nowak proceeded to the area to provide cover and commence rescue operations. He quickly established radio communications with the Marine on the ground, assured him that rescue operations were underway, and advised him to keep hidden. Before the rescue helicopters arrived, the Marine officer was captured by several North Vietnamese soldiers who then moved toward a tree line. In an effort to force the enemy to release their prisoner, First Lieutenant Nowak courageously made simulated rocket attacks against the enemy positions. Maneuvering his slow moving aircraft with great skill to evade the increasing enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, he fired an M-16 rifle in the vicinity until the captives and their prisoner disappeared from sight. With steadfast determination, First Lieutenant Nowak continued to observe the area in an effort to locate the ill-fated Marine, departing only when his fuel supply was nearly expended. After refueling at Dong Ha, he unhesitatingly returned to the crash site to direct further rescue attempts, remaining over North Vietnam for ninety minutes in a valiant attempt to save his fellow Marines. By his resolute courage, steadfast determination and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Nowak upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.