(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Jerry W. Shipman, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter, on 21 December 1971. On that date, Captain Shipman performed a night recovery mission over hostile territory in Laos, where he hovered his HH-53 within 100 feet of the rugged terrain while two downed airmen were hoisted to safety. This was the first successful night recovery using the Limited Night Recovery System (LNRS) which later became the MH-53 Pave Low System. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Shipman, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.