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 Private First Class Geoffrey David Morris, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 237th Medical Detachment, 61st Medical Battalion, 67th Medical Group in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Morris distinguished himself on 1 June 1970 while serving as Medical Aidman aboard a helicopter ambulance during a rescue operation in a fire-swept area near Hue. As Private Morris and his companions attempted to land to evacuate several wounded allied soldiers from the scene of heavy fighting with enemy troops, their helicopter was severely damaged by hostile fire and forced to make an emergency landing in the contact area. Realizing that an explosion and fire were highly probable, the crew immediately departed the helicopter amid the hail of enemy fire. Moments later Private Morris discovered that the crew chief was still aboard the damaged ship and immediately returned to aid his companion. Although intense enemy fire-swept the area surrounding the wreckage, he ran to the helicopter and removed his injured comrade seconds before the aircraft burst into flames. After administering first aid to all injured crew members, Private Morris again exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he searched the adjacent area for wounded allied ground combat troops. After treating several casualties, he insured that all the injured were safely loaded aboard a second evacuation helicopter that arrived on the scene a short while later. Private First Class Morris’ gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.