The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William Shay Neighbors (AFSN: AO-549024), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action on 21 December 1950 as Pilot of a B-26 Invader Attack Bomber of the FIFTH Air Force, in action on a night attack sortie near Hamhung, Korea. Captain Neighbors received a request for assistance from a ground controller who informed him that enemy troops were attacking United Nations forces preparing to evacuate the vicinity. Although he flew his B-26 at a dangerously low altitude, just beyond bursting naval shells, Captain Neighbors was unable to see ground targets because of darkness. Disregarding his own personal safety, Captain Neighbors turned on the landing lights of his airplane to illuminate the ground ahead. Ignoring the hail of enemy fire attracted by his lights, he made repeated attacks upon enemy gun positions, silencing many of them. Continuing the same tactics, Captain Neighbors again exposed himself to enemy fire as he attacked other enemy targets, destroying six vehicles, damaging ten vehicles, and inflicting many casualties. This courageous act prevented an effective enemy attempt to penetrate friendly defenses. The aggressiveness, determination and unswerving devotion to duty displayed by Captain Neighbors were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the FIFTH Air Force, and the United States Air Force.