The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Edmond James Murphy (MCSN: 0-66064), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-363), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the evening of 4 September 1967, Major Murphy launched as Flight Leader of a section of two helicopters on an emergency medical evacuation mission of seriously wounded Marines at Que Son, which was under heavy assault from North Vietnamese Army forces. Several previous attempts to evacuate the wounded had failed and had resulted in the loss of two Marine helicopters which were damaged by the intense enemy fire. Arriving over the area and finding the air space congested by gunships and fixed wing aircraft conducting air strikes, Major Murphy returned to Marble Mountain Air Facility until the air strikes were completed. Carrying critically needed ammunition, he launched a second time to aid the besieged Marines. Returning to the zone, he attempted a landing under cover of darkness but missed his objective due to the tall trees surrounding the zone. As he quickly made a 180-degree turn and started back to the zone, his helicopter came under extremely heavy automatic weapons fire and was hit three times, forcing him to return to his base. Determined to complete the re-supply mission and extract the seriously wounded Marines, Major Murphy transferred the 1,000 pounds of ammunition to another helicopter and led his flight back to Que Son for the third time. Turning on his landing lights, despite the hazards of hostile fire, he commenced his approach and landed in the restricted zone, aided by gunships on either side of his aircraft which provided suppressive fire. In the zone, the ammunition was unloaded and five of the most seriously wounded Marines were placed aboard the helicopter. Demonstrating exceptional aeronautical ability, Major Murphy skillfully maneuvered is heavily laden aircraft out of the zone, avoiding the surrounding fifty-foot trees. As he cleared the trees, the enemy again directed intense automatic weapons fire at his helicopter, wounding the aerial gunner, Corpsman and one of the casualties. Displaying composure and great skill, Major Murphy maintained control of his badly damaged aircraft and led the flight safely back to base. His courageous determination to help his fellow Marines was undoubtedly instrumental in saving the lives of the five casualties. By his exceptional professional ability, resolute courage and unfailing devotion to duty, Major Murphy upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.