The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Duwayne Warren Hoffert (MCSN: 0-62272), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-363), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 6 February 1968, Major Hoffert launched as Helicopter Aircraft Commander of a UH-34 transport helicopter assigned a medical evacuation mission in support of a Marine company which was heavily engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the fire-swept area and unable to establish radio contact with one platoon that was pinned down and had sustained numerous casualties, Major Hoffert radioed several amphibian vehicles located approximately 500 meters away and extracted their casualties while two F-8 fighter aircraft conducted air strikes on the enemy positions. After returning from the medical facility, Major Hoffert returned to the initial zone and skillfully executed a low altitude, high speed approach to the besieged platoon’s position, disregarding heavy enemy fire as he courageously landed near the Marines’ position. Although forced to depart the zone with only three of the casualties aboard due to the heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his aircraft, he resolutely returned to the hazardous area with close support from fixed wing aircraft. Again steadfastly remaining in the zone under fire, he embarked two additional casualties and departed the embattled area under continuing hostile fire. Returning from the medical facility, he extracted two more wounded Marines from the area occupied by the amphibian tractors and then proceeded for the third time to the position of the heavily engaged platoon, embarking the remaining casualties. Displaying exceptional courage and composure despite the heavy volume of enemy fire which was striking his aircraft, Major Hoffert calmly waited in the fire-swept area until all of the wounded were aboard the helicopter, courageously delaying his departure while his crew chief left the aircraft to assist a Marine who was wounded as the helicopter was preparing to lift off. Skillfully maneuvering his heavily laden aircraft out of the dangerous area, he safely delivered fourteen wounded men to a nearby medical facility. Throughout the seven and one half hours of continuous flight operations and despite the intense hostile fire, his unhesitant actions and selfless concern for his fellow Marines were an inspiration to all who observed him and resulted in the successful evacuation of ninety-four casualties, undoubtedly saving numerous Marine lives. By his dauntless courage, bold determination and unswerving devotion to duty, Major Hoffert upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.