The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Theodore Walter Lounsbury, Jr. (MCSN: 2151661), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Crew Chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-361), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 October 1966, Lance Corporal Lounsbury’s helicopter was launched on an emergency medical evacuation mission of five critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam soldiers and their American advisor. Upon arrival at the pickup zone, attempts to communicate with the ground unit were unsuccessful. After landing in what appeared to be the most suitable landing site, frantic signals from the friendly ground troops revealed that the aircraft was in a minefield where the six victims had been wounded. Immediately lifting off, the pilot tried to maneuver his aircraft closer to the unit but the attempt was aborted because the alternate area was also mined. Determined that the only way to accomplish the mission was to land in the minefield, the aircraft commander maneuvered his aircraft close to the friendly unit’s perimeter and started his approach. Displaying exceptional skill, Lance Corporal Lounsbury alertly detected a mine and directed the pilot to a safe one wheel landing, two feet from the explosive device. Realizing the dangers in crossing the minefield, Lance Corporal Lounsbury, exhibiting uncommon courage and with complete disregard for his own safety, voluntarily debarked and moved fifty feet through the mined area to assist the wounded. Inspired by his fearless action, his fellow crewmen followed him back across the treacherous area during two additional trips to assist the wounded. Lance Corporal Lounsbury’s outstanding determination and heroic actions under extremely hazardous conditions contributed significantly to the successful evacuation mission. By his outstanding initiative, uncommon courage and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Lounsbury upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.