The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Gustave F. Lueddeke, Jr. (MCSN: 0-29711), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Pilot of a Helicopter in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 and 28 September 1950. Notified that a unit of the First Army Cavalry Division had sustained several serious casualties during an enemy ambush, First Lieutenant Lueddeke unhesitatingly volunteered to fly to the area and assist in their evacuation. Aware of the extreme danger of flying the forty-five miles from his base in his unarmed aircraft, he succeeded in completing seven flights and in bringing fourteen wounded men to safety. By his daring initiative, superb airmanship and grave concern for others at great risk to his own life, First Lieutenant Lueddeke served as an inspiration to members of his squadron, and his heroic actions throughout reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.