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 Richard A. Starke (AFSN: 0-3022911), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed forces as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander assigned to the 7th Air Force, in Southeast Asia on 13 January 1968. On that date, Major Starke guided his unarmed aircraft through intense and accurate anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire to successfully locate and photograph an surface-to-air missile site. The data obtained contributed directly and materially to allied intelligence collection efforts in Southeast Asia. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Starke has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.