The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Gregory W. Lee (MCSN: 0-82477), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-362), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 August 1966, during Operation COLORADO, Captain Lee, as Section Leader of two UH-34D helicopters, was assigned to an emergency mission to evacuate wounded Marines from a battalion which was surrounded by a Viet Cong ambush. Although weather conditions were marginal and the beleaguered ground unit had warned him of incoming mortar fire and grenades in the zone, Captain Lee courageously led his wingman through heavy enemy fire toward the pickup point. Forced to wave off when the Viet Cong fire intensified, he circled the area, then twice more attempted to approach the zone from different directions, each time sustaining damaging hits. By this time, the steadily deteriorating weather conditions over the objective area forced him to return to his base. Although fully aware of the hazards, he launched again with a cargo of desperately needed ammunition and stretchers for the casualties. Despite the continuing withering fire, he managed to complete the landing, deliver the vital ammunition and embark a load of critically wounded men. Although his aircraft had sustained multiple hits during his daring effort, he expertly departed the zone and delivered the men to a medical facility. After receiving hurried, temporary repairs, Captain Lee gallantly returned to the beleaguered battalion to attempt another evacuation. During his final approach into the zone, his already crippled aircraft was again caught in the fierce hostile action. Additional hits caused a fire to break out in the helicopter, and he was finally forced to abandon the evacuation attempt. His valiant effort in the face of grave personal danger provided essential ammunition which enabled the Marine ground unit to continue the battle against the enemy, and made possible prompt medical attention which undoubtedly saved the lives of many of the casualties. By his extraordinary fortitude, daring initiative and unswerving dedication to duty throughout, Captain Lee upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.