The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Gerald Stanley Pate (MCSN: 0-60342), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-261), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 March 1966, Major Pate was assigned as Flight Leader of five aircraft in a mission to withdraw a thirty-five man reconnaissance patrol which was operating northwest of Chu Lai. While approaching the proposed pickup zone, Major Pate learned that the patrol had just completed a violent engagement with the Viet Cong and was some distance from a clear landing zone near the village of Duc Bo. Waiting while the ground unit hurried to the new location, the flight received heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire from hostile positions which had apparently been prepared to ambush the Marine patrol as it moved through the rice paddy. Undaunted by the incoming fire, Major Pate courageously led his flight into the zone. As the helicopters landed, they were subjected to continuous fire from many directions, and were protected only by the return fire of the aircraft gunners and members of the patrol. Although the savage fire wounded two crewmen and damaged two of the helicopters, Major Pate and his fellow pilots staunchly remained in the embattled area until it was positively known that all members of the patrol were embarked. His fierce determination to accomplish the mission despite the extreme risk undoubtedly saved the lives of many of the men in the patrol. By his exceptional fortitude in the face of enemy fire, superior aeronautical skill and selfless dedication to duty throughout, Major Pate upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.