The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then First Lieutenant] Jack Hill McCracken (MCSN: 0-92037), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-165), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 3 June 1967, Captain McCracken launched as Helicopter Aircraft Commander of the second aircraft in a flight of six CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the mission of extracting a Special Forces unit of more than sixty men surrounded and heavily engaged with the enemy deep in hostile territory. Arriving over the area, he learned that the hastily prepared landing zone was on a steep slope and that intense hostile fire would be encountered during the landing attempt. Observing the lead aircraft sustain heavy battle damage and crash in the nearby jungle as it began lifting out of the area, Captain McCracken displayed exceptional aeronautical skill and courage as he unhesitatingly made the approach and landed in the hazardous area. Undaunted by the heavy volume of enemy fire, he completely disregarded his own safety as he steadfastly remained in position until the maximum number of troops had embarked. Despite the intense fire and airbursts that damaged his helicopter and wounded his crew chief, he skillfully maneuvered his heavily laden aircraft out of the battle zone and expeditiously departed the area for Khe Sanh, completing the only successful landing in the zone that day. Working diligently throughout the night, he expedited plans for the resumption of rescue operations as a result of his knowledge of the situation and terrain. The following day, Captain McCracken flew Search and Rescue as nine Vietnamese helicopters commenced the extraction of the remaining fifty-one troops. When the extremely heavy enemy fire destroyed six of the transport aircraft, Captain McCracken, oblivious to the danger to his own life, fearlessly flew in the face of intense hostile fire to land, embark the last of the Special Forces personnel and lift them safely out of the perilous zone despite the battle damage sustained by his helicopter. Due largely to his resolute determination, courage and composure under fire, he was instrumental in preventing the beleaguered troops from being overrun and possibly captured, injured or killed. By his superior airmanship, bold initiative and selfless dedication to duty at great personal risk, Captain McCracken inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.