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 Robert W. Smothers (AFSN: 22849A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Navigator of an SA-16 Amphibious Rescue plane of the 36th Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in Korea, on 5 June 1953. On that date, First Lieutenant Smothers landed in the Yellow Sea near the mouth of the Chong-Shon River in enemy-held North Korea to rescue a United Nation’s pilot that had parachuted from a disabled aircraft. The downed pilot had difficulty collapsing his parachute and freeing himself rom the harness after contacting the water, and was being dragged toward shore by the wind. Upon getting clear of his parachute, he unsuccessfully attempted to inflate his life vest. As a result of these experienced the downed airman was exhausted. As the SA-16 approached through rough seas, First Lieutenant Smothers observed that his pilot was unable to help himself and was drifting away from the rescue aircraft. Realizing that he could not survive unless taken aboard without delay, First Lieutenant Smothers, with disregard for his own personal safety, dived overboard, swam to the exhausted pilot, and towed him to the rescue aircraft through the rough sea. This prompt and courageous action on his part saved the exhausted pilot from drowning and expedited the rescue operation, allowing the aircraft to become airborne and depart dangerous waters known to have been under surveillance of enemy shore batteries. Through his extraordinary courage and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Smithers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.