The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Edward Kufeldt (MCSN: 0-89361), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 7 February 1968, Captain Kufeldt launched as Aircraft Commander aboard an armed UH-1E helicopter assigned to support the extraction of a friendly unit from the Lang Vei Special Forces Camp. Upon completing the mission, he was preparing to land at Khe Sanh Combat Base when he learned that additional friendly troops remained at Lang Vei. Realizing that his helicopter was the only escort aircraft available, he unhesitatingly accompanied two transport helicopters back to the landing zone and skillfully directed rocket and machine gun fire on numerous North Vietnamese Army anti-aircraft emplacements. While on the ground, the two evaluation aircraft were damaged by a heavy volume of fire and forced to become airborne before a U.S. Army Advisor had been embarked. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Kufeldt elected to land and extract the advisor. Completely disregarding his own safety, he skillfully commenced an approach to the designated area and immediately received accurate enemy fire which he quickly suppressed with rocket and machine gun fire. As the helicopter neared the landing zone, it suddenly came under intense hostile fire wounding three crew members. Despite sustaining extensive damage, which resulted in a loss of power, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft to Khe Sanh and safely landed. By his courage, superb airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Kufeldt inspired all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.