The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Randall S. Robinette (MCSN: 0-106021), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY ONE (HMM-161), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 9 June 1970, First Lieutenant Robinette launched as Copilot aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of three casualties from a friendly unit which was conducting operations south of DaNang in Quang Nam Province. After his aircraft landed at the designated area, it came under such intense hostile fire that it was severely damaged and was forced to close down in the landing zone. While assisting his pilot in shutting down the helicopter, First Lieutenant Robinette observed a Corpsman treating men in the area for heat prostration. With complete disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Robinette boldly left the cockpit and moved through the enemy fire to assist the Corpsman in carrying the medical evacuees to the shade provided by the stalled transport. He then organized the Marine unit and his crew to provide security for his aircraft until a rescue helicopter could land nearby. Undaunted by the heavy volume of enemy fire raking the landing zone, he made repeated trips across the perilous area to assist in carrying the casualties to the extraction transport. As the helicopter was preparing to lift out of the area, First Lieutenant Robinette alertly observed a casualty on a litter who had been overlooked. Ignoring the hostile fire, he fearlessly jumped from the transport, moved to the side of the wounded man, and carried him to the waiting aircraft. As he neared the helicopter, several enemy rounds severed the aircraft’s stability system lines, causing it to give a sudden lurch and pin First Lieutenant Robinette down beneath the ramp. Although he was suffering intense pain from the crushing ramp, he resolutely held on to the man in the litter to prevent him from falling out and rolling downhill toward the enemy positions. As soon as the ramp was lifted and he was freed, he placed the wounded man aboard and, with the aid of several crewmen, boarded the aircraft himself. The transport then left the dangerous area and returned to Landing Zone ROSS. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several of his comrades. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Robinette inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.