The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Donald Franklin Engel (MCSN: 0-92342), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron SIXTEEN, Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 26 November 1967, Captain Engel launched as Pilot of a UH-34 helicopter on an emergency medical evacuation mission twelve miles southwest of Marble Mountain. After radio contact had been established, the ground unit urgently requested the extraction of their casualties before nightfall to enable them to move to a more defensible position. Although informed that he could expect small arms and mortar fire in the landing zone, Captain Engel unhesitatingly began his approach. As he neared the zone, his aircraft came under intense enemy fire which wounded his crew chief and forced him to abort the mission temporarily in order to deliver his wounded crewman to a medical facility. After refueling his helicopter and obtaining another crew chief, he returned to the hazardous area. Displaying superb aeronautical ability, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft through the hostile fire and landed safely. Quickly embarking the most seriously wounded Marines, he departed the zone under intense enemy fire. Although forced to change aircraft due to extensive battle damage as a result of sixteen hits, he fearlessly returned to the fire-swept area on five separate occasions and, on his final trip, boldly entered the zone immediately after a mortar attack on the landing site. Captain Engel’s exemplary airmanship and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in twenty-six Marines receiving prompt medical attention. By his extraordinary courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Engel upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.