The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Charles V. Costantino (AFSN: AO-2222925), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an RF-80 Shooting Star Reconnaissance Aircraft of the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial flight over enemy territory in Korea, on 19 January 1953. On that date, First Lieutenant Costantino volunteered to fly and extremely hazardous mission in support of a highly classified project of great importance against the enemy. Flying an unarmed RF-80 aircraft, First Lieutenant Costantino led his escort of four F-86 Aircraft deep into enemy territory. Despite repeated attacks by MiG-15 type aircraft fire, First Lieutenant Costantino, realizing the great importance of obtaining the required intelligence, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, never wavered in his determination to accomplish the mission. Displaying superb evasive tactics and superior airmanship, he was able to obtain the desired information. First Lieutenant Costantino, by his exemplary devotion to duty, intrepid determination, and courage, reflected great credit upon himself, the FIFTH Air Force and the United States Air Force.