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 Captain (Medical Service Corps) Calvin Philip Sandifer, VI (ASN: 0-92789), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 20 March 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Sandifer was serving as the aircraft commander of a medical evacuation helicopter of the 283d Medical Detachment (HA). When an estimated Viet Cong regiment launched an intensive mortar attack against elements of the 1st Infantry Division at Bau Bang, a medical evacuation helicopter was called for to extract the casualties. Captain Sandifer and his crew immediately flew to the battle site. The hostile force was attacking in waves and threatened to breach the friendly perimeter. A heavy volume of enemy and friendly tracers filled the air and friendly air strikes and artillery were being directed onto the hostile positions. In spite of these dangers and the added handicap of flying in almost total darkness, Captain Sandifer skillfully directed the helicopter’s landing at a casualty collection point near the perimeter. After two flights were made, removing the wounded to a clearing station at Lai Khe, Captain Sandifer took over the controls and flew two additional runs into the battle area to evacuate casualties. On each occasion, he ignored the intensive hostile fire in order to land close to the embattled friendly elements. His dauntless courage and devotion to duty significantly contributed to saving the lives of 18 wounded soldiers. Captain Sandifer’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.