The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sub-Lieutenant Andrew C. Perry (0-2877), Royal Australian Navy, for gallantry in action. Sub-Lieutenant Perry distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 18 May 1970 while serving as Pilot on a UH-1H Helicopter, 135th Aviation Company, Royal Australian Navy. On that date, Sub-Lieutenant Perry monitored a radio call stating that his unit was engaged in night combat assaults against a strong hostile force and that several aircraft had been knocked out of action. Without thought to his own safety or the arduous hours of flying he had already accomplished that day, he contacted the Command and Control aircraft and offered his assistance. Sub-Lieutenant Perry joined the flight as lead aircraft and offered his assistance. Sub-Lieutenant Perry joined the flight as lead aircraft and carried one lift of Vietnamese troops into the landing zone. On the approach, the flight was raked by heavy fire, causing damage to several aircraft. Sub-Lieutenant Perry’s aircraft was struck repeatedly, knocking out both shin bubbles, several important instruments, the side window and part of his pedal controls. The second aircraft in the flight was knocked out of action and could not continue to fly. Grasping the situation, Sub-Lieutenant Perry announced that he would continue to lead. Despite the damage to his aircraft and the fact that he was bleeding from the face and had lost feeling in his right foot from the impact of enemy bullets, he led the flight back to the pickup zone and then into the same landing zone two more times. Each time, heavy enemy fire was received, but by his courage, flying ability and cool commands of leadership, the flight of aircraft never faltered and the insertions were completed. Sub-Lieutenant Perry’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Australian Navy and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.