The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Kenneth M. Sears, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Combined Action Company 1-4, III Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 August 1969, Captain Sears launched aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the mission of immediately evacuating two seriously wounded Marines from Combined Action Platoon 1-4-5 which was pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from a Viet Cong company occupying well-concealed positions in dense foliage. Arriving over the designated location, he observed that the platoon had taken cover behind a rice paddy dike and was receiving fire from two directions. Requesting the pilot to land in another rice paddy 150 meters from the Marine unit, Captain Sears unhesitatingly leapt from the aircraft and, although hampered by the waist high water in the rice paddy which made him an excellent target for the hostile soldiers, fearlessly made his way to the side of the casualties. Placing one of the men across his shoulders, Captain Sears dauntlessly moved back through the fire-swept rice paddy and placed the wounded man aboard the helicopter. Seemingly oblivious to the rounds impacting around him, he then returned to the platoon, picked up the second casualty, and again braved the enemy fusillade as he carried him through the deep water to the aircraft. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and saved the lives of two fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Sears inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.