The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Gerald L. Ellis (MCSN: 0-70766), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Air Base Squadron TWELVE, Marine Aircraft Group TWELVE, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 27 September 1967. Launched as Wingman in a section of two aircraft assigned the mission of bombing an enemy artillery position north of the Demilitarized Zone, Major Ellis assumed control of the flight after the flight leader incurred communications difficulties. Aware that the target was in an area defended by a surface-to-air missile site and a heavy concentration of anti-aircraft artillery, he courageously began his run on the target, located in a camouflaged wooded area two miles east of the Finger Lakes. During his approach, Major Ellis observed a violent explosion to the left of his A-4E aircraft and fragments quickly penetrated his cockpit, severely damaging his instrument panel and causing decompression. Although unable to assess the damage to his aircraft and fully realizing that continuance of the run might result in loss of the aircraft and his life, he, nevertheless, steadfastly remained on course. Undeterred by the unreliability of his instruments and a rapidly decreasing oil pressure, Major Ellis demonstrated superior aeronautical ability by delivering his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy, completely destroying the artillery position. With the fire warning light now on, he skillfully utilized his airspeed to gain altitude and climbed to 11,000 feet over the coastline. When his engine failed at this point, he remained airborne by gliding his aircraft two miles out over the South China Sea where he safely ejected and was subsequently rescued by helicopter. His daring actions, composure under hazardous conditions and resolute determination resulted in the successful completion of the mission. By his exceptional aeronautical ability, courage and unswerving devotion to duty, Major Ellis upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.