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 Master Sergeant Billy E. Gartman, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 21 November 1970. On that date, Sergeant Gartman flew as a Flight Engineer aboard an HC-130P aircraft in support of the Son Tay Prisoner of War Camp Raid under the cover of darkness deep within hostile territory. His superb aerial ability aided immeasurably in the extremely low level aerial refueling of the rescue helicopters despite the constant threat of hostile ground fire and air-to-air attacks. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Gartman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.