The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Henry C. Bollman (MCSN: 0-85842), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-165), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against North Vietnamese Forces in the vicinity of Quang Tri City, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 July 1972. During Operation LAM SON 72 (Phase II), Captain Bollman exhibited exceptional airmanship and courage in the face of a disastrous aircraft emergency while on a troop insertion mission. While approaching the landing zone behind enemy lines, his helicopter was hit by a heat seeking missile in the number two engine. The initial and simultaneous secondary explosions blew the major portion of the starboard engine off the aircraft with vital components flying off and through the main rotors, engulfed the starboard side of the aircraft in flames, and filled the cabin and cockpit with a rush of flame and smoke. The Pilot-in-Command could not see and Captain Bollman, with exceptional difficulty and superb airmanship, brought the burning aircraft under control, selecting a landing site, and skillfully landed the aircraft in a safe but hard landing. Turning off the engine, he dove out the door of the aircraft. On the ground he assisted four crew members to safety, organized the survivors in a local defense, gave aid and comfort to the seriously injured and assist an airborne rescue team to rescue the surviving party of Marines. Captain Bollman’s superb leadership, devotion to duty and to his comrades, and disregard of his own painful injuries were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.