The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Airman First Class Brad Ernst Marx, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 40th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date, Airman Marx was the Pararescue Specialist of a CH-53 helicopter which flew three sorties spanning more than fourteen hours. Airman Marx and fellow crew members placed United States Marines aboard the destroyer escort U.S.S. HOLT and then escorted a damaged aircraft to friendly territory where they recovered its contingent of United States Marines. They then delivered a contingent of United States Marines to the island despite intensive hostile ground fire. They remained close to the island and provided protective fire for another aircraft and escorted it to safety. Later in the day, they returned to the island and again braved heavy hostile fire to successfully remove a group of United States personnel. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the S.S. MAYAGUEZ and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Marx has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.