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 Captain John R. Weimer, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 February 1971. On that date, as the First Pilot on an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter, Captain Weimer’s efforts culminated in the rescue of two United States Air Force aircrew men from certain death or capture by hostile armed forces. With full knowledge of the extent of hostile fire in the area and complete disregard for his own personal safety, and despite the helicopter’s receiving numerous hits by ground fire, Captain Weimer calmly monitored the engine, transmission, and flight instruments; guarded the throttles; stood ready to take control of the helicopter in an emergency; and radioed progress of the pickup and ground fire positions throughout the rescue. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Weimer has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.