The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Charles Drayton Henricks (MCSN: 0-102443), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-161), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 March 1969. First Lieutenant Henricks launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of two seriously wounded Marines from a company which was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force in Quang Tri Province. Arriving over the designated location, he was advised by Marines on the ground that enemy emplacements were located northwest of their position, but that air strikes could not be utilized because of friendly forces deployed in the area. Observing that the zone was surrounded by 100 foot trees and was too small to accommodate his aircraft, First Lieutenant Henricks chose to evacuate the casualties by mechanical hoist, although he was fully aware that to do this would make him a lucrative target for hostile gunners. Quickly making his approach, he skillfully maneuvered his helicopter to hover above the zone and immediately came under a heavy volume of fire from at least three positions. Requested to turn the aircraft to afford a better field of fire for the starboard machine gunner, he calmly did so without disturbing his steady hover or interrupting the hoisting operations despite the harassment of the constant hostile fire. The second casualty was approaching the door of the helicopter when an enemy round pierced the cabin and mortally wounded First Lieutenant Henricks. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and resulted in the safe delivery of the aircraft and all aboard to a secure area. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Henricks upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.