The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Gordon Homer Buckner, II (MCSN: 0-65539), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-362), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, on 18 November 1965, in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Buckner demonstrated exceptional aeronautical skill and personal valor while leading a flight of ten helicopters during a mission of airlifting soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam into a landing zone near the Government outpost of Hiep Duc. Fully realizing that the proposed landing zone was on the side of a hill, adjacent to an area which had been overrun by insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces the previous day, Major Buckner fearlessly and skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into the zone. Despite the enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire which saturated the landing zone as well as the routes of approach and departure, he safely unloaded his soldiers, then returned for additional reinforcements at Quang Tin. On the second landing, with full knowledge of the dangers involved but without regard for his personal safety, Major Buckner remained in the zone, delaying departure from the embattled area until all the wounded could be loaded for immediate evacuation to the medical facility. Although his aircraft sustained several hits from enemy fire, he courageously and competently completed two more reinforcement flights into the area, contributing immeasurably to the successful recapture of the strategically important outpost. By his superior aeronautical ability, dynamic leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Major Buckner inspired the other pilots in his flight to successfully complete the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.