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 Specialist Fifth Class Jack H. Talkington, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 145th Aviation Battalion (Combat), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Talkington distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as crew chief-aerial observer on a light observation helicopter engaged on a visual reconnaissance mission. When his aircraft was downed by intense automatic weapons fire two miles northeast of Tan Uyen, upon crashing through the trees, Specialist Fifth Class Talkington aided in the evacuation of all the crewmembers. Showing quick and decisive leadership, he analyzed the situation and set up a defensive perimeter around the downed aircraft. Hearing the enemy move toward his position, he placed deadly fire in the direction of the enemy positions to protect the wounded crewmembers. During this time he spotted three enemy soldiers moving toward his position and immediately, without regard for his own safety moved to an exposed position and engaged the enemy with his machine gun. Realizing that the wound in his leg and the state of shock of the other two survivors would prevent a rapid escape through the impenetrable underbrush, he elected to remain at the crash site and await rescue. Specialist Fifth Class Talkington continued to defend the wounded crewmembers until the first of two medical evacuation helicopters arrived. Since the aircraft was unable to land, a jungle penetrator was lowered. Specialist Fifth Class Talkington once again exposed himself to enemy fire and placed the mortally wounded pilot and critically wounded survivor on the jungle penetrator. As the helicopter was retrieving the wounded crewmembers, it came under intense fire from enemy positions. Specialist Fifth Class Talkington immediately placed accurate and heavy suppressive fire on enemy positions, thereby drawing most of the enemy fire upon himself and away from the hovering aircraft. Specialist Fifth Class Talkington’s gallantry and dedication to his comrades were instrumental in the successful rescue operation. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.