(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas E. Perfili (AFSN: AO-1908953), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in Korea, in November 1951. Captain Perfili was in a flight attacking two full trains of ammunition at Huichon. Disregarding his personal safety, Captain Perfili elected to protect other members of his flight by attacking automatic weapons positions while they continued their bombing attacks. During one run, his plane was struck by enemy fire which blew off part of his left wing and crippled his engine. He was forced to bail out, but was rescued by a destroyer and returned to friendly territory. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Perfili, 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.