The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain John Francis Dugan, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force, while serving with Company B, 101st Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter), (Ambulance), 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), in Laos. Captain Dugan distinguished himself on 20 March 1971 while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H helicopter during the emergency extraction of allied troops in Laos. The friendly firebase was completely surrounded by enemy troops, and visibility was severely limited by the smoke from recent air and artillery strikes. Despite these hazards, Captain Dugan made three attempts to reach the landing zone, but was forced off by enemy fire. After the third attempt, his aircraft was so badly damaged by hostile fire that he was forced to pilot it back to a secure area. After checking to insure that his crew members were unhurt, he acquired another aircraft and volunteered to make another attempt to reach the landing zone. As Captain Dugan made his final descent towards the firebase, his aircraft was hit by an enemy rocket propelled grenade, causing the aircraft to explode, and mortally wounding the entire crew. Captain Dugan’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.