UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS HEADQUARTERS, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FPO, SAN FRANCISCO 96601

In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General,  Fleet  Marine  Force,  Pacific  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as leader of  a section  of  helicopters, attached to and serving with  Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron  THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR, charged  with rescue and maintenance relative to downed aircraft as the result of enemy action on  27 April 1964.   On  this  day,  the  entire  squadron  was  committed  to  the mission of landing over four hundred (400) troops of the  Army of the  Republic of Vietnam in an offensive  action  against  the  insurgent  communist  guerrillas (Viet Cong).  In  the course of the initial assault lift into  the contested zone, one of the aircraft was fatally hit and crash landed into the zone. Major BRADDON, without  hesitation, departed from  his position  and flew into the direct  opposi- tion of  the gun that  had just downed  the crew he was determined to rescue.  In doing so, he had to fly into  the contested area as a  single target  allowing all  of the   enemy  automatic  weapons   to   concentrate  their   fire  on   him.    Major BRADDON's aircraft was hit and seriously damaged by .50 caliber fire.  This did not deter him in his mission as  he  landed  near  the  dismounted  crew.   Subse- quently,  Major BRADDON  once  again  flew his aircraft into the face of enemy fire  to land and evacuate the crew of  another helicopter  which was  badly dam- aged and crash landed in  the same area.  By his selfless and daring  actions  and his  loyal devotion to duty  in the face of great personal risk,  Major BRADDON upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

TEMPORARY CITATION