The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Bruce R. Lake (MCSN: 0-101584), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Naval Aviator with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-265), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 December 1968, First Lieutenant Lake launched as Section Leader of a flight of CH-46 transport helicopters assigned to the emergency re-supply of a combat-committed unit during Operation MEADE RIVER. Briefed while on the way to the designated area, he was informed that there was intense enemy fire in the vicinity but that, because of the unknown disposition of friendly forces, it would be impossible to utilize gunships during the operation. In addition, the Marines on the ground requested the medical evacuation of three seriously wounded men, Darkness fell as First Lieutenant Lake orbited over the zone, awaiting the arrival of the injured Marines, but, because of the critical situation facing the men on the ground, he elected to attempt the mission and fearlessly commenced his approach to the landing zone, guided by only a strobe light. As he came to a hover, preparatory to dropping his external load of supplies, he came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire which, because of the darkness, the gunships were unable to suppress. After dropping his load, First Lieutenant Lake set his helicopter down and despite the hostile rounds impacting about him, thirteen of which penetrated his aircraft including two through his side of the cockpit, he resolutely maintained his dangerously exposed position until the casualties were safely embarked. Then, displaying superb airmanship, he applied full power and lifted off through increased fire, skillfully maneuvering the aircraft out of the hazardous location and directing it toward DaNang. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of three Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, First Lieutenant Lake materially enhanced the capability of the Marines on the ground to accomplish their mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.