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 First Lieutenant (Transportation Corps) Leonard John Dadante (ASN: 0-5222131), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 101st Aviation Battalion. First Lieutenant Dadante distinguished himself by heroic action on 27 August 1965, while serving as fire team leader of a UH-1B helicopter section near Vi Thanh, Republic of Vietnam. His mission was to provide aerial support to ARVN units on the ground which had been pinned down by intense enemy fire. Early in the day, Lieutenant Dadante’s aircraft had received numerous hits and was forced to return to Vi Thanh. Although his aircraft was grounded due to battle damage, he immediately volunteered to fly another ship. Upon returning to the embattled area, Lieutenant Dadante’s aircraft became the target of intense enemy fire which seriously wounded the crew chief. A safe landing was made approximately 150 meters from the Viet Cong lines, but the helicopter came under 81-mm. mortar and 57-mm. recoilless rifle fire. Lieutenant Dadante quickly carried his wounded crew chief some 30 meters from the aircraft. He then returned to the ship to obtain the needed first aid equipment for the seriously wounded man. Returning from the aircraft, Lieutenant Dadante was wounded by flying shrapnel. Although in extreme pain from his own wounds, he quickly reached his comrade and applied a tourniquet on the crew chief’s shattered leg. Lieutenant Dadante again displayed exceptional gallantry by returning to the ship through a barrage of enemy fire to get an M-60 machine gun and ammunition. He returned to his comrade and moved him to an area that would afford greater protection. Although faced with overwhelming and seemingly hopeless odds, Lieutenant Dadante remained calm and engaged the enemy positions with deadly accuracy. His suppressive machine gun fire enabled a rescue helicopter to land in the area. During the evacuation he displayed exceptional courage while carrying his wounded crew chief through the intense enemy fire to the rescue helicopter. Lieutenant Dadante’s extraordinary display of heroism with complete disregard for his own personal safety was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.