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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Stanley Christian, Jr. (ASN: 0-5338961), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 68th Assault Helicopter Company, 11th Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 November 1968. First Lieutenant Christian distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as gunship platoon leader on a combat operation near a village ten miles southwest of Tay Ninh. He had already flown in excess of six hours when he was informed that his two fire teams were being diverted to a new operational area to assist a friendly assault helicopter company, which had been receiving automatic weapons fire and had lost one gunship to the enemy. Upon his arrival on station, he was informed by the command and control aircraft that two crewmembers of the downed aircraft were believed to be still alive and located close to their ship. He initiated a deadly accurate strike against specific enemy positions, while receiving heavy fire, and taking several hits in his ship, but his rockets were on target, and several secondary explosions resulted. He then marked a landing zone for an insertion of reserve infantry and deployed both fire teams in a manner to best protect the flight. Later in the afternoon, after all insertions were completed and all hope was abandoned for the crewmembers of the downed aircraft, he was ordered to roll in on the ship and destroy an enemy RPG team that had positioned itself next to the aircraft for cover. In firing a volley of eight rockets, four took direct hits on the enemy position. The gunship support led by Lieutenant Christian was directly responsible for the deaths of over a hundred enemy and the destruction of 54 structures. 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.