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 Chief Warrant Officer (W-2) Gary Robert Weatherhead (ASN: W-3200560), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 235th Aerial Weapons Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 13 January 1969. Chief Warrant Officer Weatherhead distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions when Can Tho Army Airfield came under an intense and concentrated enemy attack. It became evident that only swift and positive action by gunships would save the airfield from being overrun by the enemy forces. Chief Warrant Officer Weatherhead took one other officer and three enlisted crew chiefs and made a dash for his gunship in order to get airborne and counterattack the enemy. When he came under intensefire from an enemy automatic weapons position, he kept running for his aircraft. About one-third of the way to his aircraft, he came upon three armed enemy who immediately came toward him. Realizing the grave danger he and the other men with him were in, he shouted for the other two men to take cover and charged the three enemy soldiers with hopes of overpowering them. As he neared the three however, one raised an automatic rifle and mortally wounded him. Chief Warrant Officer Weatherhead’s timely warning, coupled with his extreme bravery saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.