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 Ralph Jefferson Hornaday (ASN: 0-63901), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, In action in Southeast Asia on 18 December 1967. On that date, Captain Hornaday was a member of a flight protecting other aircraft attacking the largest and most important highway and railroad bridge in North Vietnam. Despite a serious aircraft malfunction, numerous surface-to-air missile launches and intense anti-aircraft barrages, Captain Hornaday selflessly and courageously provided the maximum possible protection to the strike force by continuously attacking the area’s air defenses. His refusal to abort in spite of his obvious disadvantage while encountering overwhelming hostile defenses contributed immeasurably to the strike force’s highly successful mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Hornaday has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.