The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert Anthony Mathews (MCSN: 0-80639), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Tactical Air Coordinator (Airborne) with the O-1C Detachment, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron SIXTEEN, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 March 1967, Captain Mathews was conducting a reconnaissance flight in the vicinity of Dong Ha when he was diverted to assist a small reconnaissance team which was being pursued by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. After locating the beleaguered unit, he skillfully requested an emergency helicopter extraction of the Marines. As the evacuation aircraft approached the landing zone, it was subjected to intense enemy fire and crashed. Realizing the need to protect the downed crew, Captain Mathews immediately directed accurate air strikes on the hostile force which enabled the Marines to move to covered positions. Subsequently, a second evacuation helicopter attempted to extract the downed crew and crashed due to the concentrated hostile fire. Undaunted by the perilous situation, Captain Mathews fearlessly maneuvered his aircraft through the intense enemy fire while marking the area for additional air strikes which were conducted within 100 meters of the Marines’ positions. Despite a dangerously low supply of fuel, he courageously remained over the hazardous area until he had thoroughly briefed a relief aircraft on the location of the friendly positions. Due to the approaching darkness the rescue attempts were terminated until the following morning. On 14 March, Captain Mathews launched one hour before daylight in extremely adverse weather to continue the evacuation attempt of the reconnaissance team and the helicopter crews. After arriving over the objective area, Captain Mathews again exhibited exceptional aeronautical skill and courage by boldly maneuvering his aircraft through the hazardous area while accurately marking the zone for air strikes in the preparation for the subsequent extraction of the Marines. After pinpointing the location of the friendly positions for the rescue aircraft, he was forced to return to Phu Bai as his aircraft was again dangerously low on fuel. In large measure due to his gallant and heroic actions, the retraction operation was successfully accomplished and numerous Marine lives were undoubtedly saved. By his superior professional skill, determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Captain Mathews upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.