The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Frederick E. Wayand (MCSN: 2206553), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-165), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 10 October 1968, Corporal Wayand launched as Crew Chief aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned to insert a reconnaissance team deep in enemy controlled territory near Thuong Duc in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, the aircraft sustained battle damage from a heavy volume of hostile fire, and when the helicopter crashed, it commenced to burn violently. Despite being painfully injured, Corporal Wayand immediately commenced assisting the pilot and copilot, who were trapped within the aircraft. Ignoring the intense heat of the fire which caused machine gun rounds to begin detonating, he ensured that the two men were safely extracted from the burning wreckage and then resolutely continued to remain in the helicopter while aiding the other passengers in escaping. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Wayand 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.