The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Danny Guerrero Okada (MCSN: 2214507), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Crew Chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR (HMM-164), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 November 1968, Corporal Okada launched as Crew Chief aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned a medical evacuation mission in support of a Marine unit that was heavily engaged with a large enemy force on a mountainside northwest of DaNang. Arriving over the designated location, Corporal Okada observed that the rugged terrain and dense jungle foliage would require a difficult host extraction. During the first two approaches to the zone, which were aborted due to intense hostile automatic weapons fire, he assumed a position completely exposed to the enemy fire in the open doorway in order to provide the pilot with vital flight information which enabled the aircraft commander to remain clear of trees and other terrain obstacles. Continuing his determined efforts as the pilot commenced a third approach, Corporal Okada resolutely maintained his hazardous position and, ignoring hostile rounds penetrating the cabin, fearlessly returned fire with his rifle while skillfully relaying directions until seriously wounded by the enemy fire. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Corporal Okada upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.