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 Howard Franklin Bronson, III (AFSN: FR-59148), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force over the Republic of Vietnam, on 23 September 1965. On that date, Captain Bronson while piloting an O-1E aircraft, provided vital Forward Air Controller support for two ARVN battalions trapped by a Viet Cong regiment. For nearly nine and one-half hours Captain Bronson remained over the battlefield, in the face of heavy ground fire, directing such devastating air strikes against the Viet Cong that they were forced to break off their attack on the government forces. During this conflict when an F-100 pilot was shot down, Captain Bronson immediately flew to the downed pilot’s position to provide air cover and assistance in directing the pilot to a safe area for helicopter pickup. Even though his aircraft sustained battle damage, he remained over the downed pilot until a successful rescue had been accomplished. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Bronson has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.