The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Gerald F. Dooley, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 January 1967, Captain Dooley launched as Flight Leader of two CH-46A helicopters assigned to evacuate casualties from an area near the village of Ban Lanh prior to the retraction of a combat assault force. During the approach and landing in the zone, Captain Dooley’s aircraft came under intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire. Because of knee deep water, mud in the rice paddies and continuous enemy fire, movement of the wounded to the helicopter was difficult and slow, however, Captain Dooley, disregarding his own safety and displaying calm presence of mind, fearlessly remained in the pickup zone until eighteen wounded Marines had been placed aboard the aircraft. Despite extensive damage to his helicopter as a result of mortar fragments, Captain Dooley, exhibiting exceptional aeronautical skill, launched his aircraft through increasing hostile fire and, with weather conditions rapidly deteriorating, flew to the nearest medical facility. His exemplary leadership and outstanding professional ability undoubtedly were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission. Captain Dooley’s uncommon courage, superior professionalism and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk, were an inspiration to all who served with him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.