Gerald ROBERT Helmich

The President of the United States takes Pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Gerald Robert Helmich, Major, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force northwest of Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 November 1969. On that morning, knowing full well the threat to his own survival, Major Helmich volunteered to fly his A-1H Skyraider deep into hostile territory into an area heavily defended by small arms, automatic weapons, 23-mm. and 37-mm. anti-aircraft guns, in the attempt to rescue two downed crew members of an F-4D. As he rolled in for the hazardous low level pass to lay down a protective smokescreen which would shield the rescue helicopters from hostile guns, his aircraft was hit and crashed; the rescue mission which was successful and which Major Helmich had insisted on flying had demanded and received his utmost. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Helmich has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.