The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Charles Knox, Jr. (MCSN: 456334), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy, while serving with Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, at Kosan-ni, Korea. On 13 June 1951, Technical Sergeant Knox volunteered his services as Crew Chief and hoist operator on a rescue mission eighty miles behind enemy lines in a vulnerable, unarmed helicopter. The area in which the downed pilot was located was known to be infested with enemy troops of field army strength and was at such an extreme range that if any time was lost by the helicopter in locating the stranded aviator, there would not be sufficient fuel to allow it to return to its base. Fully cognizant of all the above facts, Technical Sergeant Knox unhesitatingly volunteered to act as hoist operator and crew chief on the helicopter assigned to his singularly hazardous mission. Upon reaching the area where the Marine aviator had reportedly gone down, it was necessary for the helicopter to search for twenty minutes before locating him. Because of the dense foliage, the aircraft was forced to hover at tree-top height, while Technical Sergeant Knox, exercising great skill lowered the hoist cable to the downed aviator. The difficulty of this operation required several attempts in the face of enemy fire. Finally, by skill, efficiency, and complete disregard for his personal safety, Technical Sergeant Knox succeeded in bringing the downed Marine aviator aboard, and a safe landing was subsequently made on a United States Navy ship just before the helicopter’s fuel supply was exhausted. Technical Sergeant Knox’s conspicuous gallantry, initiative, and tenacious desire to save the downed Marine pilot was exemplary and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.