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 Major Robert E. Stoffey, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron Two, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 23 April 1969, Major Stoffey launched as Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) aboard an armed OV-10 Bronco aircraft assigned the emergency mission of supporting the extraction of an eight-man long-range reconnaissance patrol which was surrounded and had sustained three casualties while heavily engaged in combat with an estimated North Vietnamese Army platoon four miles west of An Hoa. Arriving over the designated area, he was briefed by the Bronco pilot whom he relieved and was informed that the beleaguered Marines were located on a steep hillside and that one of the casualties had fallen over a cliff after having been struck by hostile fire. Requesting fixed wing attack aircraft, Major Stoffey then assumed control of all flights in the area while the previous controlling aircraft returned to its base to refuel and rearm. Skillfully delivering highly effective suppressive fire upon the enemy, he provided cover while the Marines moved down the slope to the base of the cliff to recover their fallen comrade. Undaunted by the adverse weather conditions which restricted visibility and the extremely heavy volume of North Vietnamese fire directed against his aircraft, Major Stoffey fearlessly maneuvered his Bronco on repeated low-altitude rocket and strafing runs and delivered his ordinance and white phosphorous smoke rockets with such devastating effectiveness that the embattled team was able to move to a more suitable pickup site for subsequent extraction. Major Stoffey’s courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.