The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Joseph B. Wegener, II (MCSN: 1930274), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-165), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 10 October 1968, Lance Corporal Wegener launched as Aerial Gunner aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned to insert a reconnaissance team deep in enemy controlled territory near Thuong Duc in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, the aircraft sustained battle damage from a heavy volume of hostile fire, and when the helicopter crashed, it commenced to burn violently. Despite sustaining a painful wound, Lance Corporal Wegener resolutely commenced assisting personnel out of the wreckage, and as the intense heat of the fire caused machine gun ammunition within the aircraft to begin exploding, he steadfastly remained in the helicopter until all of the passengers had escaped. After departing the aircraft, he discovered that the other crew members were still in the helicopter and, fearlessly returning to the burning wreckage, assisted the injured pilot to a position of relative safety. Undaunted by enemy fire, he resolutely continued his determined efforts and, again returning to the aircraft, obtained first aid equipment which he utilized to treat the aircraft commander’s wounds. By his courage, resolute determination and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Wegener was instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.