The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General Makkaroon Swasdi, Royal Thai Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 March 1970, while serving as Commanding General of the Royal Thai Army Volunteer Force. On that date, General Swasdi was flying over area of operations ARAN, where the 2d Company, 2d Battalion, 2d Brigade, Royal Thai Army Forces had made contact with the enemy in a bunker complex. General Swasdi knew that this was the unit’s first contact with enemy forces since they had arrived in Vietnam and that they would need reassurance and encouragement to accomplish their mission. As the helicopter was making its second pass of the area, it came under heavy automatic weapons fire from the bunkers and sustained 14 hits. One of the rounds wounded General Swasdi, but, disregarding his painful wound, he continued to broadcast the location of the enemy to his troops. The helicopter began to malfunction, and the pilot flew it out of the contact area and landed the aircraft in an area that was not secured at the time. General Swasdi, realizing that the area was not secure, ordered the pilot to take off again and land on a road held by friendly troops. The helicopter, although malfunctioning and on fire, was able to make a forced landing on the road. General Swasdi’s courageous actions and valorous leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the Royal Thai Army.