The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Airman First Class Jon H. Young, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 2 March 1965. On that date, Airman Young, acting as a Pararescue Specialist of an HH-43F helicopter, flew rescue missions totaling two and one half hours over unfriendly territory in search of two downed American pilots. During this critical operation, the helicopter encountered continuous anti-aircraft and small arms fire. After the successful rescue of one pilot, the helicopter made an approach to another parachute which had been sighted. While hovering over this area in search of the downed pilot, extremely accurate ground fire was encountered and a hit was sustained in one of the rotor blades. Airman Young was let down on the hoist to recover the missing pilot’s equipment. After he had recovered, the helicopter was forced to withdraw. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Airman Young’s helicopter flew cover for a second helicopter crew while they rescued an additional downed pilot. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Young has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Jon H. Young, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Thanh Hoa, North Vietnam on 10 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant Young voluntarily flew into a highly hostile and heavily defended area to attempt the rescue of a downed American airman. Utilizing a handheld automatic weapon when his minigun malfunctioned, Sergeant Young deliberately stood in the open to defend his hovering helicopter against intense ground fire so that a position above the survivor could be maintained. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Young has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.