The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Daniel Robert Brophy (MCSN: 0-82441), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Aerial Observer with the Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 23 February 1969, First Lieutenant Brophy launched aboard a United States Army OH-6A helicopter assigned a mission of conducting a visual reconnaissance of known enemy infiltration routes into the DaNang Vital Area. Informed that no armed helicopter escort was available for the hazardous flight, he boldly elected to continue his mission and thoroughly briefed his pilot on the required flight pattern. As the helicopter arrived over the assigned area, First Lieutenant Brophy alertly sighted several enemy rocket sites and swiftly vectored infantry units to the various locations, where the Marines discovered nine enemy rockets and miscellaneous equipment. Returning twice to nearby combat bases to refuel, the aircraft was rapidly returning to the dangerous area for the third time when First Lieutenant Brophy and his pilot were directed to an area near Dai La Pass, where a Marine infantry force was heavily engaged with a large enemy unit. Ignoring the hostile fire directed at his aircraft, First Lieutenant Brophy steadfastly remained in the hazardous area to mark targets for an orbiting fixed wing aircraft. Completely disregarding his own safety, he expertly directed his pilot in a daring low-altitude pass in the face of intense heavy automatic weapons fire. Boldly passing over the target, First Lieutenant Brophy was dropping a smoke grenade when he received multiple serious wounds from a burst of enemy fire. His daring initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of the dangerous mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Brophy upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.