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 Major George Mark Nedel (AFSN: FR-46150), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action on 18 July 1967, in Southeast Asia. On that date, Major Nedel, as Mission Commander, led two flights of four F-4C Phantom II Tactical Jet Fighters on a mission against a vital railroad intersection. In the midst of withering ground fire, and despite heavy battle damage to his own aircraft, Major Nedel led his flight in to bomb the target, delivering all ordnance on target. Then Major Nedel escorted his own badly damaged wingman home, through hostile MiG fighters and surface-to-air missiles, landing only after all three of his flight’s damaged aircraft were safely on the ground. This courageous and aggressive attack in the midst of accurate, intense anti-aircraft artillery fire damaged a vital railroad intersection, and Major Nedel’s aid to his wingman made possible the successful recovery of four damaged aircraft including his own. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Major Nedel has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.