The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Richard John Sieloff (MCSN: 2138756), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Crew Chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 January 1967. During an emergency extraction mission six miles southeast of the Chu Lai Airfield, in Quang Ngai Province, Lance Corporal Sieloff’s transport helicopter had just embarked troops and was lifting out of the zone when it came under extremely accurate and intense automatic weapons fire. Receiving multiple hits throughout a rotor assembly, the aircraft pitched violently to the right and crashed, immediately bursting into flames. Although dazed and injured, Lance Corporal Sieloff, demonstrating exceptional presence of mind, began assisting his fellow Marines from the burning helicopter. Upon finally leaving the helicopter, he observed both pilots still trapped inside. With complete disregard for his own safety, under continuous enemy fire which was pelting the zone and burning aircraft, Lance Corporal Sieloff and several companions successfully pulled the windshield out of the downed helicopter. Ignoring frantic shouts from nearby Marines that the aircraft was about to explode, he finally freed the pilots and had just pulled them to safety as the fuel tanks exploded. His heroic and selfless actions in the emergency situation undoubtedly saved the pilots’ lives. By his dauntless courage, initiative and loyal devotion to his fellow Marines, Lance Corporal Sieloff upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.