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 Marcel Eugene Kerdavid, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-117 Stealth Fighter Pilot over Baghdad, Iraq, on 17 January 1991. On that date, his superb airmanship and determination in the face of extremely heavy enemy air defenses resulted in direct hits on the Karkh Communications Tower and the National Command Alternate Bunker at North Taji. His attacks on these key command, control, and communications facilities helped pave the way for subsequent attacks by Coalition Forces and directly contributed to the historic success of Operation DESERT STORM. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Kerdavid has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.