The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Mauricio (Maurecio) O. Morales, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Morales distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 26 April 1971 while serving as a Helicopter Crew Chief with the 116th Aviation Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division. On that date his aircraft was part of a combat assault two miles south of Nghia Hanh when the lead gunship was shot down by an enemy rocket propelled grenade. The gunship crash landed in flames in a nearby rice paddy. Immediately Specialist Morales’ helicopter broke off from the flight to go to the aid of the downed ship. The rice paddy was under a constant barrage of enemy fire as the aircraft landed. He immediately began placing devastating volumes of suppressive fire on the enemy positions in an attempt to secure the downed craft. Seeing that the door gunner of the burning craft was wounded and unconscious and was trapped in the helicopter, he left the shelter of his ship to aid in the rescue effort. Although he was left unarmed and exposed to the continuing enemy fire, he reached the other crew members to assist them in getting the wounded man to the rescue ship. As he was carrying the wounded man, he was injured by an exploding mortar round. Despite his wounds and the evidence that the enemy gunners had zeroed in on the group, he continued in his rescue efforts, this accomplished, he began administering emergency first aid to the wounded man. Specialist Fourth Class Morales’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.