The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Kraig Marian Porteur (MCSN: 2424993), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX (HMM-236), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 February 1970, Corporal Porteur launched as an Aerial Gunner aboard a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency extraction of a reconnaissance team which had been detected by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Arriving over the designated location, the pilot elected to attempt a ladder extract because of the lack of a suitable landing zone. Although the helicopter came under a heavy volume of hostile fire from several directions at this time, Corporal Porteur, with no thought for his own safety, immediately commenced returning devastating fire. Although enemy fire penetrated the helicopter and seriously wounded him above one eye, he resolutely maintained his dangerously exposed position and fired upon the enemy during the considerable length of time required to lower the ladder and hook the team to it. Despite his extreme pain and the heavy flow of blood which partially obscured his vision, he steadfastly refused medical attention until the aircraft was safely out of range of the hostile gunners. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several fellow Marines. Corporal Porteur’s courage, bold initiative, and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.