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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Kirk Allen Woolley (ASN: US-51946901), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Woolley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 11 February 1969 while serving as a door gunner with Headquarters and Support Company, 15th Medical Battalion (Airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a medical evacuation mission. Upon learning that a medical evacuation mission had been aborted due to heavy enemy ground fire, leaving the casualty stranded high in a tree, Specialist Fourth Class Woolley volunteered to be a part of the next crew sent to extract the soldier. Disregarding the danger of the strain the weight of two men would produce on the helicopter hoist, Specialist Fourth Class Woolley descended on the hoist and skillfully maneuvered through the obstacles, hooking up with the injured man. When the hoisting operation began, the ship was thrown into a roll and was headed for certain destruction until the pilots were forced to cut the cable supporting the two men. Although he was fatally injured during his heroic rescue attempt, Specialist Fourth Class Woolly’s performance was an inspiration to the men who served with him. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.