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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) George C. Bloodworth, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Air Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade. Warrant Officer Bloodworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of the trail scout helicopter of a light scout team conducting a reconnaissance in an operation 12 miles northwest of Cao Lanh. When the lead aircraft of the team was shot down by intense enemy automatic weapons fire, he attempted to rescue the crew, but his own aircraft was also shot down. Despite enemy fire raking the area, he searched for the other downed crewmen until they were located and started leading them to a nearby pickup zone for extraction by a command and control aircraft. Observing approximately a dozen enemy soldiers attempting to surround them and prevent their escape, he engaged the enemy force with his rifle and momentarily halted the enemy advance. Although seriously wounded, he continued to engage the enemy until his comrades, one of whom was also seriously wounded, reached the pickup zone. Only then did he leave his position and move to the pickup zone. Ignoring the enemy fire still raking the area and his painful wounds, Warrant Officer Bloodworth valiantly assisted each of the downed crewmen aboard the rescue aircraft. Only after insuring that each man was safely aboard, would he allow himself to be brought aboard. Warrant Officer Bloodworth’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty resulted in saving three of his comrades from certain death or capture. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.