The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John L. Scott (MCSN: 0-37313), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of an unarmed Helicopter in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), during a rescue mission carried out in enemy-held territory in Korea on 5 February 1951. Notified that two Marines had been critically wounded in a forward area, First Lieutenant Scott unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt a rescue despite the possibility of guerrilla action and the extreme danger of flying his vulnerable craft in darkness without the proper equipment for night flight. With only a flashlight to illuminate his engine instruments, he effected two brilliantly executed take-offs and three landings to bring both casualties back to safety. By his superb airmanship, extraordinary courage and grave concern for others at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Scott was undoubtedly responsible for saving the lives of two men who otherwise might have perished. His heroic efforts throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.