The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Edward R. Lesesne (ASN: RA-14679509 – MCSN: 1616941), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, on 2 January 1972, while serving as a helicopter crew member aboard a helicopter flown behind enemy lines to extract the survivor of a reconnaissance team. As the aircraft landed to rescue the friendly soldier, small arms and automatic weapons fire erupted from the tree line surrounding the landing zone. Major Lesesne dismounted the aircraft to provide protective fire for the man who was trying to reach the ship from the rear. With a hail of enemy bullets passing over his head, Major Lesesne held his exposed position, advising the aircraft commander of the survivor’s rate of advance to the helicopter. As the man reach a point of about 50 meters from the aircraft, the hostile fire increased in intensity, shattering both windscreens, wounding the aircraft commander and another crew member, and touched off an explosive flame which shot past the right rear of the helicopter where Major Lesesne remained in position. Despite the deadly fusillade of enemy fire and the imminent threat of serious burns, Major Lesesne remained exposed while attempting to rescue the friendly soldier until the aircraft commander decided that he must take off or lose the aircraft and crew. By his heroism in close combat with the enemy, Major Lesesne prevented more serious damage to the aircraft and thereby probably saved the crew, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Army.