The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Paul Andrew Jensen (MCSN: 0-95672), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 16 February 1968, First Lieutenant Jensen launched as Co-Pilot aboard the second aircraft in a flight of two armed UH-1E helicopters diverted to support the emergency extraction of an eight-man reconnaissance team which was heavily engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force six miles northwest of Dong Ha. Arriving over the designated area, he pinpointed enemy positions, directed the fire of his gunners and assisted the pilot on repeated strafing runs. Although five Marines had been extracted, subsequent attempts to rescue the remaining men had failed due to a heavy volume of ground fire which had seriously damaged three helicopters. When his pilot volunteered to evacuate the surrounded men, he skillfully assisted the pilot during the approach to the hazardous area, but was forced to abort the landing when the aircraft sustained several hits from intense enemy fire. Continuing his determined efforts, he ably monitored the aircraft instruments and provided accurate flight data which enabled his pilot to land in the zone. Ignoring the intense fire directed at his aircraft, he calmly directed the fire of his gunners while the men embarked. Lifting from the fire-swept site his helicopter was struck by a burst of enemy fire and crashed, mortally wounding First Lieutenant Jensen. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Jensen upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.