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 Louis Elton Armstead (ASN: RA-14942362), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a member of the 213th Assault Helicopter Company, 11th Aviation Battalion, 125th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Specialist Fourth Class Armstead distinguished himself by gallant actions while serving as gunner on a CH-47A helicopter on a combat support operation in the Republic of Vietnam. A unit of the 1st Infantry Division was under attack by a Viet Cong force north of Chon Than and was being supplied by the CH-47A helicopters after the hours of darkness. While on approach, the aircraft was forced down by intense enemy automatic weapons fire and immediately burst into flames. Specialist Armstead immediately extricated himself from the flaming aircraft. Ignoring his burning clothing, he returned three times inside the burning wreckage to drag unconscious or dazed passengers from the aircraft. On the third try he was killed inside the aircraft when the fuel tanks exploded. His selfless devotion to duty saved two lives at the cost of his own. Specialist Armstead’s extraordinary heroism in the face of the enemy was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.