The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Ronald Colman Kingrey, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE, Detachment SIX, based in Dong Tam in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 March 1969, the enemy initiated an attack in an ammunition supply area near the heliport. Petty Officer Kingrey’s UH-1B helicopter was ordered manned and evacuated. In the heat of the attack, Airman Kingrey was the first to reach his assigned aircraft and prepare it for launch. As the aircraft commenced takeoff the ammunition supply point exploded tossing the aircraft to the ground. While Petty Officer Kingrey exited the aircraft, there occurred an imminent second explosion. Petty Officer Kingrey saw that the co-pilot had been pinned in. Without thought of his own safety, he successfully evacuated the fatally wounded co-pilot to the operating bunker. A fire suddenly broke out in the gun cleaning area near ready storage point for .50 caliber machine gun ammunition. Despite possibilities of a third major explosion, Airman Kingrey remained aboard and successfully extinguished the fire on his aircraft whereupon he dashed over to assist with the rescue of the co-pilot in another fire team aircraft who was pinned under the wreckage. As the wreckage was rolled off the trapped pilot, Airman Kingrey received a blow on the had and collapsed. He was evacuated to the hospital. Petty Officer Kingrey’s courageous efforts and selfless concern for his comrades were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.