The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Boyd Leedean Barclay (MCSN: 0-87876), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Observation Squadron THREE (VMO-3), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), First Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against insurgent Communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 June 1967, Captain Barclay launched as Co-pilot of a UH-1E helicopter assigned to a visual reconnaissance mission near Khe Sanh. Suddenly, his aircraft came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, mortally wounding the pilot and severing Captain Barclay’s left hand. Displaying exceptional presence of mind and despite shock caused by loss of blood, Captain Barclay lowered the collective using the remaining portion of his left arm, thus providing sufficient maneuverability to prevent an uncontrolled crash landing. Exhibiting outstanding airmanship and resolute determination, he skillfully guided the damaged aircraft to the ground and succeeded in raising the collective sufficiently to cushion the impact of the landing. Although the aircraft rolled several times down a steep incline, the crewmen were uninjured, however Captain Barclay sustained injuries to his left leg. Disregarding his extremely serious and painful injuries, he courageously assisted his crewmen as they moved him away, where all three men were subsequently extracted. His superior aeronautical skill and extraordinary determination were an inspiration to all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of his two crewmen. By his courage, exceptional presence of mind and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Captain Barclay upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.