The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Allan Carr Vasterling (MCSN: 0-89002), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-361), 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. Upon receiving a call for assistance from a beleaguered outpost near Duc Tho, thirty-eight miles south of Chu Lai, First Lieutenant Vasterling launched on an emergency medical evacuation of six seriously wounded Vietnamese Army personnel. Prior to departing the Ky Ha Air Facility, he was informed that the outpost was surrounded and under a vicious attack from a battalion sized unit of Viet Cong and that radio contact with the Vietnamese forces in the outpost was impossible due to the fact that no English speaking personnel were in the area. Accompanied by an armed helicopter escort, the proceeded to the zone and established radio contact with the Duc Tho United States Army Advisor who informed him that the outpost was receiving heavy fire from a small village, 400 yards to the north. Upon arrival over the area, the armed escort made several made several passes from the south to search for an entry route. Descending to 1,000 feet, the armed helicopter came under intense automatic weapons fire and was forced to maneuver out of the area. Fully realizing the danger involved, First Lieutenant Vasterling decided to approach the zone, following a river from the southeast. Receiving intense fire at an altitude of 800 feet, he was forced to abort his approach. Undaunted, he courageously attempted a second approach and again came under heavy enemy fire which caused him to maneuver out of the zone. Exhibiting exceptional presence of mind, First Lieutenant Vasterling called the Direct Air Support Center at Chu Lai to request air support in suppressing the heavy volume of Viet Cong fire around the outpost. Eight Phantom II aircraft quickly departed from DaNang and, with the assistance of an airborne Forward Air Controller and the Army Advisor, an air strike was coordinated over the zone. While waiting for the completion of the air strike, First Lieutenant Vasterling returned to the Ky Ha Air Facility where he refueled in preparation for his return to the zone. Accompanied by two armed escorts, he proceeded once more to the perilous area. With Phantom aircraft circling overhead and an armed helicopter providing covering fire from both sides of his aircraft, he daringly began a third approach into the zone. Despite the suppressive fire delivered by the fixed wing aircraft and even though First Lieutenant Vasterling’s gunner, crew chief and armed helicopter escort continued to place effective fire in the zone, a heavy volume of enemy fire was still being received. With complete disregard for his own safety, and despite severe damage to his aircraft from the intense fire, First Lieutenant Vasterling entered the zone through the withering fire and successfully landed. He calmly waited in the zone under fire while the wounded were loaded aboard. Displaying exceptional aeronautical skill and courage, he maneuvered out of the zone, through an even greater concentration of Viet Cong fire, receiving several hits to his aircraft. During his landing attempt at a nearby medical facility, his damaged aircraft momentarily went out of control. Exhibiting exceptional airmanship and presence of mind, he successfully executed a safe landing without further injury to his passengers and crew or damage to his aircraft. By his inspiring courage, superior aeronautical ability, aggressive determination and loyal devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Vasterling upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.