The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert L. Barnes (MCSN: 0-105456), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMM-367), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 8 December 1969, First Lieutenant Barnes launched aboard an armed UH-1E helicopter as Flight Leader of seven helicopters assigned the emergency extraction of an eight-man Army of the Republic of Vietnam Army reconnaissance team which had sustained three casualties, was surrounded, and was heavily engaged in combat with a hostile force deep in enemy-controlled territory. Arriving over the designated area, he found that heavy rains and a 200 foot ceiling would severely restrict visibility and his area of maneuverability over the rugged mountain terrain. After thirty minutes of orbiting the area to determine the precise location of the beleaguered patrol, he pinpointed its position. Undaunted by the intensity of the hostile fire directed at his aircraft, First Lieutenant Barnes boldly executed repeated rocket and strafing runs and delivered his ordnance with such devastating effectiveness that the enemy fire was temporarily suppressed. Realizing the urgency of extracting the reconnaissance team, and aware that the flight’s three transport helicopters had been forced to abandon the rescue attempt because of their low fuel state, First Lieutenant Barnes resolutely elected to attempt the extraction. After expending the remainder of his rockets and ammunition on the hostile positions, he jettisoned all unnecessary equipment, skillfully maneuvered to a landing in the zone, and fearlessly remained in his precarious position on the exposed hilltop until three casualties and one other patrol member were embarked. Undeterred by the heavy volume of enemy fire, and his load which exceeded allowable maximum gross weight, he expertly manipulated his controls to avoid trees as he lifted out of the hazardous area. After his wingman had extracted the four remaining Vietnamese, he then led his flight to Quang Tri. By his courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Barnes was instrumental in saving the lives of the Vietnamese soldiers and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.