The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Robert Clifford Hughes (MCSN: 0-91695), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-163), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 March 1967, First Lieutenant Hughes launched as Flight Leader of two UH-34D helicopters on an emergency medical evacuation mission of nineteen seriously wounded Marines. Displaying uncommon courage, resourcefulness and extremely hazardous landing zone deep in enemy controlled territory despite adverse weather conditions and intense enemy fire. During the first trip into the landing zone, two casualties were evacuated but extensive battle damage to the wingman’s aircraft forced the section to return to Dong Ha where the damaged helicopter was replaced. Rendezvousing with two UH-1E helicopter gunships and after returning to the besieged area, low clouds, poor visibility and the proximity of the enemy to the Marine ground forces prevented the use of effective supporting aircraft. Despite the lack of supporting fires, First Lieutenant Hughes courageously lead his section through the intense enemy fire and evacuated five more wounded men. As a result of the heavy volume of enemy ground fire, the wingman’s aircraft sustained extensive damage and the pilot and copilot were wounded. Returning to Dong Ha, the aircraft was replaced and after another pilot was assigned as wingman, First Lieutenant Hughes unhesitatingly returned to the perilous zone where his flight successfully evacuated seven more Marine casualties. Extensive battle damage once more forced the flight to return to Dong Ha to exchange aircraft. On the final approach to the landing zone, First Lieutenant Hughes and his copilot were both wounded and their aircraft was severely damaged by an increasing volume of Viet Cong fire. With complete disregard for his painful wounds, he exhibited exceptional presence of mind by skillfully maneuvering his damaged helicopter to a secure area where he landed and was subsequently extracted and returned to Dong Ha for medical treatment. Throughout the extremely dangerous evacuation mission, he displayed exceptional aeronautical skill and fearless determination in repeatedly entering the fire-swept zone under marginal weather conditions to evacuate the Marines and was undoubtedly responsible for saving numerous lives. By his daring initiative, steadfast determination under extremely hazardous flying conditions and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Hughes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.