The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Raymond A. Roth, Jr. (MCSN: 2368049), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Thirteenth Interrogation Team, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 March 1971, Sergeant Roth launched aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter to exploit information elicited from a captured North Vietnamese Army officer regarding the location of important communication liaison stations and fighting positions in Quang Nam Province. After conducting an extensive aerial reconnaissance, he successfully located the area and the pilot commenced maneuvering at low level to enable him to pinpoint the enemy positions. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from hostile soldiers located near a bunker complex and several crewmembers were wounded by rounds which penetrated the helicopter. Reacting instantly to this adversity, Sergeant Roth moved the wounded aerial gunner to one side and, with complete disregard for his own safety, delivered rapid suppressive fire at the enemy. Despite his best efforts, however, hostile fire continued to rake the transport, wounding both Sergeant Roth and the pilot and rupturing a fuel line which caused volatile fluid to flow through the cabin. As the pilot struggled to maintain control and direct his aircraft toward a friendly position, Sergeant Roth ceased firing because of the danger of fire and immediately turned his attention to treating the casualties. After the helicopter landed and despite the pain of his wound, he made repeated trips to the aircraft to evacuate the other wounded men. Realizing that the pilot had not exited the transport, he unhesitatingly reentered the cabin despite the imminent danger of fire and, moving to the cockpit, un-strapped the unconscious officer and lowered him to other Marines waiting on the ground. Steadfastly refusing medical attention, Sergeant Roth utilized a radio to request a medical evacuation helicopter then, determined to exploit the situation, adjusted accurate supporting artillery fire on the North Vietnamese Army fortifications which he had observed from the air. By his indomitable courage, exceptional composure during an extremely critical situation, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Sergeant Roth was instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.