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 Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Walter J. Schramm, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 17 February 1966, in the vicinity of Bong Son Mountains, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned to Company B, 229th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On this date, Chief Warrant Officer Two Schramm was serving as pilot of the lead ship leading a flight of two UH-1D troop lift helicopters. After having made several logistical lifts carrying supplies, the flight leader voluntarily aborted his mission in order to evacuate nearly fifty wounded infantrymen from Landing Zone Pete, which was located in a small, deep valley surrounded by high mountains. The wounded, several of whom were critically injured, had been awaiting evacuation for 3 hours. Although the landing zone was insecure due to intense and accurate hostile sniper action, Chief Warrant Officer Two Schramm, without hesitation, flew into Landing Zone Pete, loaded his aircraft over safe limits with 10 critically wounded Soldiers, and then flew out of the area despite a failing rotor rpm, which made his ship dangerously sluggish. After proficiently piloting his aircraft dangerously close to enemy positions, he entered the area for another load. As a result of his courageous professionalism and outstanding pilotage, he was able to lift a total of 11 to medical aid, 10 of whom were most in need of priority attention and who were lifted initially. His professional ability and courage without doubt saved the lives of many of the more critically injured. The gallantry displayed by Chief Warrant Officer Two Schramm was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 229th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), and the United States Army.