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 Patrick Brian Olson, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in action as Pilot of an OA-10 Thunderbolt, in action against Iraq in the Kuwait theater of operations, Operation DESERT STORM, on 27 February 1991. While attacking the Medina Division of the Republican Guard, Lieutenant Olson’s aircraft sustained severe battle damage. With a complete loss of hydraulic pressure, he transitioned to manual reversion flight controls and maneuvered his crippled aircraft back to friendly territory. Captain Olson lost his life on landing while attempting to save a valuable combat aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty in the dedication of his service to his country, Captain Olson has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.