The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Jerry Wayne Caudle (MCSN: 0-89540), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-361), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 October 1966, First Lieutenant Caudle launched as Helicopter Aircraft Commander on an emergency medical evacuation mission of five critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam soldiers and their American advisor. Upon arrival at the pickup zone, attempts to communicate with the ground unit were unsuccessful. After landing in what appeared to be the most suitable landing site, frantic signals from the friendly ground troops revealed that the aircraft was in a minefield where the six victims had been wounded. Immediately lifting off, First Lieutenant Caudle tried to maneuver his aircraft closer to the unit, but the attempt was aborted because the alternate area was also mined. Determining that the only way to accomplish the mission was to land in the minefield, First Lieutenant Caudle skillfully maneuvered his aircraft close to the friendly unit’s perimeter and touched down on one wheel, two feet from an exposed mine. Demonstrating uncommon aeronautical skill and firm determination, he maintained his extremely difficult semi-hover position until the wounded were loaded aboard. While lifting from the hazardous area, the aircraft came under intense enemy fire. Skillfully maneuvering his aircraft, First Lieutenant Caudle evaded the enemy fire and safely delivered the wounded to a medical facility. By his extraordinary airmanship, courageous actions and unswerving devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Caudle upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.