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 Colonel John Copeland Bartholf, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 29 March 1968. On that date, Colonel Bartholf displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and destruction of assigned targets. The tenacity of Colonel Bartholf to attain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military standards. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Bartholf has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.





