The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ernest L. MacQuarrie (ASN: AO-1908699), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action on 17 February 1951 while serving as Pilot of an H-5 Rescue Helicopter of Detachment ONE, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, In action near Seoul, Korea. Lieutenant MacQuarrie displayed a high degree of courage in attempting to effect the rescue of a downed United Nations pilot from behind enemy lines. Fully aware of the great personal risk involved, Lieutenant MacQuarrie flew his unarmed and highly vulnerable H-5 helicopter to a spot as near the downed pilot as the difficult terrain would permit. When the aircraft touched the ground the enemy opened fire with small arms and automatic weapons, damaging the helicopter. Lieutenant MacQuarrie remained at the controls of the aircraft while the medical technician crew member proceeded across the hazardous terrain to the side of the airman lying tangled in his parachute, determined that he was dead, searched the body for identification and returned. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant MacQuarrie in the face of aggressive enemy action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.