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 Karlton I. Bakke, 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, Captain Bakke, as Aircraft commander of an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter, rescued two United 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 Bakke persisted in his hover over the two survivors until they were safely hoisted aboard his aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Bakke has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.