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 Second Class James Edward Pleiman, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 33d Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 13th Air Force, over North Vietnam on 1 November 1965. On that date, Airman Pleiman was instrumental in effecting the safe and expeditious recovery of a United States Air force RF-101 Pilot from hostile waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. With complete disregard for his safety, and with armed hostile swimmers within one hundred feet of him, Airman Pleiman jumped into the water to assist the pilot. This courageous and aggressive action promulgated against overwhelming odds, resulted in reducing the time the aircraft and crew were exposed to hostile fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Pleiman 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 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Airman First Class James Edward Pleiman, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 33d Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 13th Air Force near Thanh Hoi, North Vietnam on 14 March 1966. On that date, Airman Pleiman performed as a Pararescueman aboard an unarmed HU-16 aircraft which executed a hazardous open sea landing in the face of an oncoming fleet of twenty-five armed sampans and fierce opposition from nearby shore batteries and mortar emplacements to rescue two downed USAF pilots. Without regard for his personal safety, Airman Pleiman courageously carried out his duty in the face of overwhelming odds as he dove into the sea in the midst of exploding shells in an heroic attempt to rescue one of the downed airmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Pleiman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.