Alfred C. Montrem

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 Alfred C. Montrem, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as Rescue Crew Commander of a helicopter in Southeast Asia on 11 March 1968. On that date, Captain Montrem, flying his HH-53B rescue helicopter participated in the evacuation of a forward operating site which was under heavy attack and partially overrun by hostile forces. Despite intense automatic weapons and small arms fire, he landed his aircraft at the helicopter pad and successfully evacuated 32 friendly personnel, many of whom were wounded. Later in the day, after the site had been completely overrun, he returned to the area and carefully searched for survivors. He found and evacuated six more personnel from the beleaguered outpost. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Montrem reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.