The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Alfred Martin West (MCSN: 0-94212), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-362), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 4 November 1968, First Lieutenant West launched as Flight Leader of a section of two UH-34 helicopters assigned an emergency medical evacuation mission in support of a Marine unit that was heavily engaged with a large hostile force south of DaNang in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated location, he was informed that, although the landing zone was small and contained several obstructions, the physical condition of the wounded men prevented moving them to a more desirable position. Fearlessly commencing his approach, he immediately came under a heavy volume of enemy fire from three directions. Advised by the Marines on the ground to abort the mission, he resolutely continued his determine efforts to evacuate the critically injured men and skillfully landed his aircraft in the small zone. Although embarkation of the casualties was slow and intense hostile fire was penetrating the cabin, First Lieutenant West steadfastly maintained his extremely precarious position until all wounded Marines were aboard. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting nearby, he then directed his damaged aircraft clear of the obstructions and, under the restriction of decreased power due to the extensive damage to his engine, slowly lifted through the continuing hostile fire. During this time, various vital instruments became inoperable, radio contact was severed and the cabin filled with smoke caused a leaking oil line. Fearing for the safety of his passengers, some of whom were injured a second time while entering the helicopter, he skillfully maneuvered his extensively damaged UH-34 to a nearby combat base where the casualties were transferred to another aircraft. By his resolute courage, superior aeronautical ability and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant West was significantly instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.