The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Randy L. Hoffmaster, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand, on 15 May 1975. On that date, Sergeant Hoffmaster was a Flight Mechanic on a CH-53 aircraft of the 21st Special Operations Squadron, delivering a contingent of United States Marines to the Island. The aircraft on its approach to the landing zone on the beach sustained severe damage from hostile fire and crashed into the water just off the shoreline. Sergeant Hoffmaster disregarded the continuing hostile fire and aided the United States Marines out of the aircraft. After checking other crewmembers, he turned his attention to the Marine forces and assisted in moving them out to sea where rescue occurred three hours later. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the S.S. Mayaguez and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Hoffmaster has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.