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 the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Service Corps) William H. Scanlan, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam on 29 August 1963. As Pilot of a UH-1B helicopter, Captain Scanlan voluntarily participated in a mission to transport troops and supplies to a ground Company of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and to evacuate the wounded from an area under heavy enemy attack. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Scanlan bravely approached the landing area while his heavily loaded aircraft was the target of intense hostile gun fire. As soon as he succeeded in landing the aircraft in the combat zone, the supplies, a new Company Commander, and personnel were unloaded from the helicopter, and the wounded were taken aboard. Upon takeoff, he continued to display his fortitude and professional skill, and flew the wounded out of the battlefield to a medical facility. His unselfish actions and courageous conduct while under flanking fire averted further losses to the friendly troops and enabled them to force the enemy to withdraw. Captain Scanlan’s conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.