The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Frederic Leroy Tolleson (MCSN: 0-67884), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Marine Advisory Unit as an Airborne Coordinator for the Vietnamese Marine Division from 19 March to 25 March 1971. During LAM SON 719 in Military Region I and Laos, Brigade 147 of the Vietnamese Marine Division was in extremely heavy contact with an unusually well-armed North Vietnamese Army force. Major Tolleson flew repeated missions over enemy terrain infested with anti-aircraft weapons during this period to provide a direct link between the brigade elements and United States supporting arms. Completely disregarding intense anti-aircraft fire which had earlier destroyed three other United States helicopters, he directed and controlled a devastating volume of accurate supporting fire on enemy targets which greatly aided the brigade in repulsing all attacks. On 21 Marcy 1971 during the heaviest day of fighting in the entire operation, he flew at extremely low altitudes over enemy lines to observe and assess the tactical situation. Although his helicopter was struck by enemy fire on many occasions and nearly incapacitated, he completely disregarded the danger and remained on station providing critically needed supporting fire and expert assistance to the brigade. His outstanding coordination of artillery, fixed winged aircraft and helicopter gunship strikes, coupled with his tactical observations to the ground commander, contributed significantly to an overwhelming enemy defeat. Despite enemy attempts to deny re-supply efforts to the fire support bases by keeping them under heavy and continuous fire, Major Tolleson repeatedly flew through intensive enemy bombardments to re-supply the bases. On one occasion when an accompanying re-supply helicopter was shot down, Major Tolleson directed his aircraft to land and pick up the survivors although the intensity of the enemy fire was overwhelming at the time. His prompt action, at great personal risk, resulted in the rescue of six personnel. By his daring actions and devotion to duty, Major Tolleson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.