Capt. E. Evans Kayser Jr. received the Silver Star award after piloting his helicopter 44 years ago in a heroic effort to save pinned down soldiers in Vietnam.

A fellow pilot who was there 44 years ago got the process going, when the two met last year when they were in Georgia.

The pilot helped get the information together and submitted it to First District Congressman Tim Scott’s office.

Scott, who also recommended Kayser for the award, was  present in Murrells Inlet to help give the high honor.

The Silver Star was pinned on Capt. Kayser, a Surfside Beach resident, by his wife Mary Alice Kayser and Bob Duncan, the award ceremony host and president of the American Legion Riders.

Capt. Kayser’s military honors include the Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with “V” device plus 29 oak-leaf clusters, Army Commendation with “V,” National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Medal and Campaign Medal with 60 device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.

The commendation he received cited his heroism in saving the soldiers during the fierce battle in Vietnam.

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 9 July, 1918, and amended by Act of 25 July, 1963, has awarded the Silver Star to First Lt. Elmore E. Kayser, Jr., Ninth Infantry Division, for gallantry in action on 19 June 1967 and 20 June 1967, while serving as pilot with Troop D, Third Squadron, Fifth Calvary Regiment, Ninth Infantry Division, in support of operations in the Republic of Vietnam.”

According to his commendation, the young pilot was under heavy ground fire and rapidly advancing darkness when he saved the soldiers.

The incident began after Kayser received a call for help from an infantry company that had been ambushed by a large enemy force.

He arrived at the battle site and soon his ammunition was exhausted and his fuel was low. He continued to mark enemy targets with smoke for additional tactical air support.

Kayser also escorted countless resupply and medical evacuation aircraft in and out of the hostile area, according to information provided at the ceremony.

 Flying at ground level below an evacuation helicopter loaded with wounded soldiers, the helicopter was struck by heavy groundfire that caused it to rapidly lose altitude. 

Kayser had to steer his aircraft away from the falling helicopter to avoid a collision.

Despite having sustained additional damage to his aircraft, Kayser calmly continued assaulting the enemy, according to those giving the award.

He flew his helicopter for 17 hours, much of that time in the pitch black darkness.

His efforts were vital in holding the enemy back and supporting the ground troops so they could maneuver to a more defensive position, officials said. 

“First Lieutenant Kayser’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Ninth Infantry Division and the United States Army,” his commendation said.

Kayser received many hugs and congratulations after the ceremony.

He thanked everyone and dedicated the medal to those whose lives were lost in the battle.

To see a video of the ceremony, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o26po7yIAko

By Lloyd Mackall

Lmackall@sc.rr.com