The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Gregory Arthur Corliss (MCSN: 0-58138), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX (MAG-36), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, on 1 February 1967, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation ESTUARY, Major Corliss was assigned as Flight Leader of eight CH-46A transport helicopters on a multiple assault landing mission of elements of the Republic of Korea Second Marine Brigade. Assault units were to be inserted initially in two of three landing zones, followed by troop insertion in the third zone and buildup of forces in the first zone. Although enemy fire was encountered in all three zones, resulting in battle damage to two aircraft, the initial assaults were successfully completed. The two disabled helicopters landed in a secure zone while the remainder of the flight, under Major Corliss’ fearless leadership, continued the buildup in Zone One. Zone Two, coming under heavy enemy attack and receiving numerous casualties, requested a medical evacuation. Since the UH-34D aircraft assigned the medical evacuation mission could not land due to the increasing volume of hostile fire, an immediate attempt to reinforce the beleaguered Korean Marines was made. Despite preparatory air strikes by supporting UH-1E escorts prior to the insertion attempt, extremely heavy fire was encountered resulting in damage to all four transports in Major Corliss’ flight. Displaying exceptional aeronautical skill and uncommon courage, he landed in the zone and unloaded his troops, directing the remainder of his flight to remain airborne because of the intense enemy fire. Extensive battle damage forced one helicopter to land in Zone One while another returned to Ky Ha with complete radio failure. Exhibiting resolute determination, Major Corliss decided to continue the insertion attempt by landing forces from Zone Three in a new zone adjacent to the beleaguered Korean Marines. Realizing the importance of reinforcing the ground troops before dark, Major Corliss courageously entered the zone, utilizing low altitude, multiple, single aircraft approaches into the confined landing area. Despite heavy enemy fire, he led his flight in inserting 130 reinforcements and then unhesitatingly returned to Zone Two to complete the emergency medical evacuation mission, which had been aborted earlier in the action. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major Corliss landed under intense enemy fire and waited for approximately twenty-five minutes under hostile fire until the seriously wounded Korean Marines were loaded aboard his aircraft. Lifting from the zone, he continued on to Ky Ha medical facilities and successfully completed his mission. Hid daring and heroic actions during more than ten hours of combat flight were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. By his bold initiative, outstanding aeronautical skill, uncommon courage and inspiring devotion to duty, Major Corliss upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.