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 First Lieutenant James John McGovern, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Al Habbaniyah Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 January 1991. On that date, First Lieutenant McGovern was an F-111F aircraft commander in a 14-aircraft composite force package during a night attack against a runway used for MiG-29 operations. Despite air-to-air intercepts by Mirage F-1 aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, and extensive anti-aircraft artillery fire, he successfully rendered a MiG-29 airfield incapable of launching or recovering aircraft with direct hits by GBU-24A/B laser guided munitions on the runway. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant McGovern has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.