The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel [then Lieutenant Colonel] Mervin B. Porter (MCSN: 0-23221), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Executive Officer of Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX (MAG-36), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, on 5 March 1966. During the conduct of Operation UTAH, Colonel Porter was leader of a group-level strike involving thirty UH-34 helicopters in an assault lift of Second Battalion, Fourth Marines. Despite the intense air preparation delivered on the landing zone, Colonel Porter’s flight was subjected to extremely heavy automatic weapons fire upon approach. Colonel Porter aggressively continued the approach in spite of hits upon many aircraft, the forced landing of one of the aircraft in the zone, and the heavy attrition of aircraft on the flight. On his second trip into the zone his aircraft was hit numerous times, but he continued to press the assault and led yet a third wave of helicopters into the zone, landed his troops, and led the flight back to the pick-up point. His aircraft lost all oil pressure; he executed an emergency landing and Quang Ngai, and passed the lead to the sole remaining flight leader. At this time only twelve of the aircraft had not been forced down by enemy action. Colonel Porter’s aggressive action, outstanding, and exemplary airmanship on one of the most difficult and dangerous assault landings yet executed in the Republic of Vietnam contributed to the success of Operation UTAH and inspired all participants to continue to press the assault in the face of extreme hazards to man and machine. By his outstanding and aggressive leadership, Colonel Porter, even though in great danger and personal risk, upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.