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 Captain (Infantry) Leighton O. Haselgrove, United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Haselgrove distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 11 May 1967, while serving as pilot of an OH-13 scout helicopter why Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry during a combat aerial reconnaissance mission near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. When his observation helicopter flew over a large force of heavily armed Viet Cong and began to receive intense automatic weapons fire, Captain Haselgrove immediately returned the fire and denied the enemy access to a heavily fortified area. When armed helicopters arrived on station, Captain Haselgrove, with complete disregard for his own safety, dropped smoke grenades to mark the location of the fleeing enemy. As a result of his effective fire and identification of their positions, 32 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army soldiers were killed and 11 weapons, a radio, and numerous documents and medical supplies were captured. Captain Haselgrove’s personal bravery and devotion to duty under intense hostile fire are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.