The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Michael K. Morrison (MCSN: 0-95669), 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), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 9 June 1970, First Lieutenant Morrison launched as Wingman in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of three casualties from a friendly unit conducting operations south of DaNang in Quang Nam Province. When the lead aircraft was disabled by hostile fire as it landed at the designated area and was forced to close down in the landing zone, he orbited the area until supporting gunships arrived and then completely disregarded his own safety as he skillfully maneuvered his transport into the hazardous area and backed it up until its ramp touched the hillside. Almost immediately, his helicopter came under intense enemy fire. Undaunted, First Lieutenant Morrison fearlessly remained in his precarious position while the medical evacuees and the downed crewmen began embarking. When the enemy rounds severed his stability systems lines, he fought desperately to bring the aircraft under control and, on the two occasions when the helicopter began to roll away from the hillside, succeeded in maneuvering it back until the ramp again touched the ground. Ignoring the heavy volume of hostile fire, he resolutely held his perilous position until all of the casualties and the downed crewmen had embarked and then departed for Landing Zone Ross. His heroic actions and superior aeronautical skill inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving a valuable aircraft and the lives of several Marines. By his courage, resolute determination, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Morrison upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.