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 Chief Warrant Officer (W-2) Harry A. Tronstead, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop A, 3d Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 October 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Tronstead distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of an OH-6A light observation helicopter conducting a visual reconnaissance mission southeast of Ben Tre. He found a large enemy force in fortified bunkers and immediately called for a troop insertion. As the lift aircraft touched down in the landing zone, it came under heavy automatic weapons fire. It was hit so badly that it could not take off and burst into flames. With complete disregard for his own safety, he landed next to the burning aircraft and ran into the burning wreckage. Moments later, he emerged with the badly injured crew chief who had been trapped inside. Still under heavy sniper fire, he placed the injured man in his helicopter and returned to the wreckage to assist in freeing the door gunner. Once all personnel were out of the wreckage, he returned to his ship and flew the injured men to a hospital. Returning to the area of contact, he found a scout team mate had been shot down. Again with great courage and under heavy small arms fire, he landed and directed the wounded pilot and observer to be placed aboard his aircraft, and flew them to the hospital. Chief Warrant Officer Tronstead’s gallantry under fire saved several friendly lives. 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.