The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major James S. Loop (MCSN: 0-71973), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-161), Provisional Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 February 1969, Major Loop launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency re-supply of a Marine company which was heavily engaged with a hostile force in the Da Krong Valley. Arriving over the designated location, he found visibility so poor that he was unable to maintain visual contact with other aircraft in the area, but, realizing the critical situation of the Marines on the ground and determined to complete his mission, he delivered his supplies despite coming under a heavy volume of small arms fire from enemy soldiers occupying strategic positions in the rocky terrain. After returning to the Vandegrift Combat Base, he was assigned the emergency medical evacuation of seven casualties from a position close to his previous operation and, upon arriving over the designated area, experienced rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. Although lacking the covering fire of supporting gunships and low on fuel, his concern for the welfare of the injured Marines remained of paramount importance, and Major Loop boldly entered the narrow valley and maneuvered around numerous obstacles to a safe landing in the small and obscure zone. Despite hostile mortar fire directed at the site, he fearlessly remained in his dangerously exposed position for the considerable length of time required to embark the seriously wounded men, then swiftly departed the hazardous area and delivered his passengers to a medical facility. His heroic efforts and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, superior aeronautical ability and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Major Loop contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his vital mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.