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 Major John Thomas Poirier, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Poirier distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of a lightly armed observation aircraft with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy on 17 March 1967. On that date, Major Poirier directed fighter aircraft strikes and rescue operations. He made numerous low passes into hostile ground fire to effect the rescue and extraction of a trapped Special Forces Reconnaissance team. Ignoring the ground fire, Major P:oirier led the trapped men to a helicopter landing area and then directed tactical aircraft in covering their rescue. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Poirier, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.