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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Harlow Kenneth Halbower (AFSN: 0-55486), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as a Forward Air Controller with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over the Republic of Vietnam on 2 January 1966. On that date, Captain Halbower directed air strikes against numerous hostile automatic weapons positions which were seriously threatening a friendly helicopter task force. Then, on his own initiative and in the face of intense ground fire, he remained over the battle area to call out Viet Cong positions for the ground commander. His courage and skill in detecting these positions were a major factor in holding friendly losses to a minimum. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Halbower has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.