The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Robert Emmett Masterson, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam, on 25 July 1963. Warrant Officer Masterson distinguished himself while serving as pilot of an AH-1G armed helicopter during a rescue mission near the Laotian border in the Republic of Vietnam. When an observation helicopter on a visual reconnaissance mission was downed by enemy fire, Warrant Officer Masterson flew to the area and immediately placed effective fire on the enemy position, silencing it. He then made low passes over the downed helicopter, to determine the crew’s condition. Deciding extraction was necessary, Warrant Officer Masterson provided protective cover while a rescue helicopter evacuated the crew, engaging the enemy emplacements until he had expended his ordnance. Then, making low-level passes over the area, he drew enemy fire, making it possible for supporting armed helicopters to locate and effectively engage the enemy. Warrant Officer Masterson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.