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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Clay Wilson (ASN: 0-68781), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam, on 23 March 1959. Lieutenant Colonel Wilson distinguished himself while serving as Battalion Commander of the 2d Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during combat operations west of Hue, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Wilson was in the Tactical Operations Center when he was notified of a downed Forward Air Controller in his area of operations. He immediately left in his Command and Control ship to locate the downed pilot. Several aircraft were in the area, but were unable to spot the downed craft in the thick jungle. Colonel Wilson spotted the aircraft and called for rescue and medical evacuation aircraft. He was also able to establish radio contact with the downed pilot. When the medical evacuation helicopter arrived, Lieutenant Colonel Wilson flew in at low level to mark the craft, at which time his helicopter began to receive enemy small arms fire. The rescue ships were still unable to observe the downed craft, so he again marked the location and received small arms fire again. The rescue helicopter then tried to extract the pilot but was forced to leave because of heavy ground fire. Lieutenant Colonel Wilson directed friendly fire from the Command and Control ship and repeatedly marked the area where the downed craft was located. On five separate occasions he returned to mark the downed craft, repeatedly receiving ground fire. Through Colonel Wilson’s heroic actions, the pilot was finally safely extracted. Lieutenant Colonel Wilson’s personal bravery and dd were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.