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) Richard S. Starnes, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 255th Aviation Company (Aerial Weapons), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 February 1969. Chief Warrant Officer Starnes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as fire team leader of a light fire team of AH-1G helicopters in Chau Duc Province. When he observed over 100 enemy troops advancing from a tree line toward the national border, he immediately led his fire team in an attack on the advancing enemy. As soon as the enemy force sighted the fire team it commenced firing automatic weapons at both aircraft. During the first target attack, Chief Warrant Officer Starnes’ turret mounted minigun jammed, leaving his aircraft without a defensive weapons system. In spite of this handicap, he pressed the attack on the enemy unit, slowing and confusing its advance with extremely accurate rocket fire. He made repeated low level attacks on the enemy force in order to achieve the maximum effect with his aircraft’s limited ordnance. The enemy continued a heavy but steadily diminishing volume of fire which finally ceased. A subsequent ground sweep of the area revealed 156 enemy dead. 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.