The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Andrew L. McVicars (MCSN: 0-22243), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of an unarmed Helicopter in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), during operations against enemy aggressor forces west of Koto-ri, Korea, on 15 December 1950. Unhesitatingly volunteering to attempt the rescue of a downed Navy pilot forty miles behind enemy lines, Captain McVicars courageously flew his aircraft over mountainous terrain in the face of severe turbulent winds and landed near the crashed aircraft. Although the pilot was dead, he immediately attempted to extricate the body from the wreckage and, when approximately thirty of the enemy in ambush opened fire and endeavored to render his aircraft unserviceable, immediately placed the deceased in the plane and took off. Once aloft, he called in friendly aircraft to strafe and bomb the ambushers. Captain McVicars, by his fearless and aggressive actions, daring initiative and grave concern for another at great risk to his own life, served as an inspiration to all members of his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.