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 Lieutenant Colonel Crawford Orme Shockley, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an Aircraft Commander, F-4E, in Southeast Asia on 20 April 1972. On that date, Colonel Shockley had lead of a four ship flight in a seven flight strike force against a high priority target in North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather conditions and intensive anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missile reactions, he led his flight over the target area to determine its weather condition and suitability for striking by the succeeding flights. Determining that the target was unworkable, he diverted the succeeding flights and had begun to exit the area when his wingman’s aircraft was downed by a surface-to-air missile. Disregarding his own personal safety, he remained over the downed aircrew members directing the search and rescue operation despite the continual harassment of surface-to-air missiles and hostile fighters. His calm and deliberate actions as a Search and Rescue Force Commander contributed to the rapid and successful recovery of the crewmembers in hostile territory. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Shockley has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.