The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Joseph Gerald Roman (MCSN: 0-83648), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-265), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 26 and 27 January 1967. When a six man Marine reconnaissance team was surrounded by a force of approximately 150 North Vietnamese Army Regulars near Khe Sanh, Captain Roman launched as Flight leader of a section of two CH-46A transport helicopters with the mission of inserting a thirty man reaction force to relieve the beleaguered unit. Upon arriving over the area, it was decided to return the reaction force to Khe Sanh and prepare for immediate extraction of the reconnaissance team because of rapidly deteriorating weather conditions, approaching darkness and increased fire in the zone. Returning to the pickup zone, Captain Roman approached the landing area under intense enemy fire and upon landing, his helicopter sustained several hits, causing the flight control hydraulic systems to fail and igniting a fire in the cabin section. Observing the enemy approaching his aircraft, he ordered his crew to abandon the flaming wreckage and guided the dazed and injured men to the reconnaissance team’s position. There, with a force of only ten men, three of whom were wounded, he established a hasty defense to withstand the inevitable enemy assault. As the enemy charged up the ridge toward his position, the fire in his downed helicopter ignited the ammunition still on board, inflicting numerous casualties on the North Vietnamese and causing them to retreat in confusion. Reacting instantly, Captain Roman quickly expanded his defensive perimeter and relayed his tactical situation to the UH-1E gunships and his wingman, orbiting overhead. It was decided to attempt an insertion as extraction of the reconnaissance team appeared impossible. While his wingman returned to Khe Sanh to embark the reaction force, Captain Roman called for air support, including flare ships, and artillery cover. As his wingman returned with a seventeen man reaction force and attempted a landing, his aircraft sustained hits which caused it to crash land near the reconnaissance team’s position. The crew and reinforcements quickly abandoned the helicopter and moved to the besieged Marines’ position where they assisted in manning the defensive perimeter. During the night, he skillfully directed the air attacks, pinpointing enemy targets by sound when fog and clouds obscured the explosions. When two of his men required immediate medical evacuation, he guided an evacuation helicopter into the darkened zone by radio. Subsequently, the enemy launched a grenade attack on the Marines’ position and Captain Roman was wounded by fragments from grenades which exploded within the perimeter. Disregarding his painful wounds, he continued to direct the air strikes on them. The enemy then launched a second fanatical assault and he courageously adjusted the air strikes to within fifty meters of his own men, successfully repulsing the North Vietnamese force. With the arrival of daylight, Captain Roman requested immediate retractions of the Marines, which was subsequently completed without further incident. His daring and heroic actions in leading the small Marine force in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds undoubtedly saved the lives of his men and inspired them to withstand the determined enemy. By his exceptional leadership, resolute determination, uncommon courage and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Roman upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.