The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Anthony Charles Huebner (MCSN: 0-74791), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-363), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. As Flight Leader of a flight of four helicopters, Captain Huebner was assigned the mission of extracting a fourteen man Marine reconnaissance team under heavy enemy fire on a mountain ridge twenty-eight miles south of Chu Lai in Quang Ngai Province. Arriving over the zone, he was informed that the reconnaissance team was in danger of being overrun by the enemy. Realizing the need for immediate action, he unhesitatingly began his approach into the landing zone, which would accommodate only a single helicopter and was surrounded by tall trees and covered with dense elephant grass. While the remainder of his flight orbited the area, and Marine jets and armed helicopters took the enemy under fire, he completely disregarded his own safety to descend into the landing zone. Although under intense enemy fire, Captain Huebner skillfully maneuver ed his aircraft into the limited area and landed while simultaneously relaying enemy weapons’ positions to his flight and armed escorts. Still under intense enemy fire, he calmly waited while four seriously wounded Marines were loaded aboard. Continuing to coordinate the fire of his armed escort and fixed wing aircraft, he instructed his flight s to the best approach route and conditions in the zone. Displaying exceptional aeronautical skill, he safely departed the zone and orbited the area to supervise the remainder of his flight’s movements while directing the fire of his supporting aircraft. His heroic and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of the four wounded Marines and prevented the enemy from overrunning the reconnaissance team’s position. By his daring initiative, inspiring leadership, superior airmanship and loyal devotion to duty, Captain Huebner upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.