The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Van S. Reed (MCSN: 0-66952), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-165), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 December 1968, Major Reed launched as Flight Leader of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the mission of inserting a reaction force into enemy controlled territory approximately nine miles southwest of DaNang. Arriving over the objective, he was informed by his gunship support that the grounded unit was heavily engaged with the enemy less than seventy-five meters from the landing zone. As he began his approach to the area, the aircraft encountered a heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire. Ignoring the fire, Major Reed simultaneously directed the support fire of the gunships and the suppressive fire of his crew on the hostile emplacements as he successfully landed his aircraft. Fearlessly maintaining his position under fire until the Marines were disembarked, he left the zone and proceeded to a fire support base where he picked up more reinforcements and ammunition. During his second approach to the beleaguered unit’s position, the aircraft received four direct hits in the cockpit. Undaunted by the fire, Major Reed steadfastly remained in the hazardous landing zone until informed that the Marines and ordnance were safely disembarked. His bold initiative and superb aeronautical abilities inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, professional airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Major Reed upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.