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 Major Roland M. Vernon, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a T-28 Tactical Fighter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 15 December 1967. On that date, Major Vernon, flying a night armed reconnaissance mission over hostile lines of communication, attacked a convoy of hostile vehicles. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Vernon made repeated passes into the focal point of numerous antiaircraft and automatic weapons positions to damage and immobilize twenty hostile vehicles and destroy two. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Vernon has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.