The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Bertram Arthur Maas (MCSN: 0-61155), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), Provisional Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-NINE, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 August 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Maas launched as the Division Leader of a flight of four armed UH-1E helicopters assigned to support a Marine battalion which was engaged in search and destroy operations in the southern portion of the Demilitarized Zone near the Con Thien Combat Outpost. On two occasions, he delivered extremely effective covering fire that enabled the emergency extraction of Marine casualties to be accomplished successfully. Later that afternoon, the first wave of nine CH-46 transport helicopters landed to commence the extraction of the battalion and immediately came under intense hostile rocket and artillery fire, which destroyed one aircraft and damaged another. Undaunted by the heavy volume of enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Maas directed the remainder of the transport aircraft out of the fire-swept area and, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly maneuvered his gunship in repeated attacks against the North Vietnamese artillery emplacements and other enemy positions until his ordnance was expended. After re-arming, he returned to the embattled Marines, and ignoring the approaching darkness and the increasing intensity of hostile fire, he skillfully led an infantry unit to a suitable landing zone. Continuing his determined efforts, he delivered his ordnance with such devastating effectiveness that the transports were able to land, extract elements of the battalion and medical evacuees, and resupply a Marine company that was to walk out of the area. As his division departed the area, Lieutenant Colonel Maas was informed that a medical evacuation aircraft was receiving enemy fire, and resolutely continuing his determined efforts, he returned to provide suppressive fire, effectively covering the egress of the transports. His superb aeronautical ability and daring leadership inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. By his courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Maas upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.