The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Charles A. Reynolds (MCSN: 0-74013), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron THREE (VMO-3), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 May 1967, Major Reynolds was Pilot of an unharmed UH-1E helicopter launched on a mission to extract three remaining survivors of a Marine reconnaissance team under siege for twelve hours near Khe Sanh in Quang Tri Province by an estimated 150 North Vietnamese Regulars. Four prior attempts had been made to extract the encircled Marines, all of which failed with four helicopters heavily damaged by enemy ground fire, one pilot wounded and another killed. Displaying keen foresight, he elected to combined the crews of two helicopters into one aircraft, thereby ensuring the successful completion of the mission in the event any one crew member was injured. The situation appeared hopeless for the three survivors, all of whom were wounded and out of ammunition. The plan was for Major Reynolds to take advantage of the cover and diversion provided by gunship helicopters and fixed wing aircraft and make a low altitude, high speed approach into the zone as if he were one of the gunships. With the zone on fire from napalm dropped by fixed wing aircraft and the enemy delivering intense fire into the area, he unhesitatingly commenced his first attempt to execute a landing. Twice, while attempting to land his aircraft beside the team, he was forced to abort due to the heavy enemy fire. Choosing a slightly different approach route on his third attempt and demonstrating outstanding airmanship, he succeeded in landing his helicopter, embarking the wounded Marines and lifting off through intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. His determined efforts and aggressiveness under fire although his aircraft was unarmed, were instrumental in saving the lives of the surviving reconnaissance team members and were an inspiration to all who served with him. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Major Reynolds upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.