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 Specialist Fourth Class Brayton Witherell, II, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam on 30 August 1963. As a crew member on board a CH-21 helicopter, Specialist Witherell was participating in a mission to support the ground forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam when another United States Army helicopter crashed in the midst of extremely heavy hostile gun fire. As soon as his pilot landed the helicopter in the combat zone to assist in the evacuation of the crew members and equipment of the downed aircraft, Specialist Witherell swiftly left the aircraft, ran through the intense gunfire and evacuated an injured crew member. Although he was wounded through the leg while attempting to return to the downed aircraft, he ignored his own injury and defended his fellow soldiers by returning the gun fire until the evacuation operation was completed. Specialist Witherell’s fortitude, unselfish actions, and conspicuous gallantry in this hazardous situation are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.