The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Don Edward Hamilton (MCSN: 0-82187/1876254), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-163), in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam. On 31 March 1965, as co-pilot of the lead helicopter of a seventeen aircraft flighty, First Lieutenant Hamilton made three combat assault landing while carrying troops of the Fifth Vietnamese Airborne Battalion into battle against an estimated two companies of insurgent communist (Viet Cong) guerrillas. In spite of the fierce enemy fire that met his aircraft on each landing, scoring several damaging hits, Lieutenant Hamilton, with great composure and resolution, assisted the pilot during each landing and take-off, and, while in the landing zone, delivered accurate suppressive fire with an automatic weapon from the cockpit. After the third take-off, a helicopter was observed in the landing area unable to lift off. Flying through enemy fire for a fourth time, Lieutenant Hamilton’s aircraft landed, and two crew men were sent to aid the downed aircraft while he again provided covering fire. Moments later burning live ammunition was discovered in the passenger compartment of his aircraft. Acting with extreme courage, Lieutenant Hamilton unhesitatingly leaped to the ground, and while exposed to enemy fire, ran to the cabin and threw out the burning ammunition. With further disregard for his own safety, he then proceeded forty meters through enemy fire to aid in the rescue of the wounded pilot from the disabled aircraft. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, First Lieutenant Hamilton was instrumental in insuring the safety of his own aircraft and in saving the life of a fellow Marine. His courageous and selfless actions throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.