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 Alfred Mathiasen, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed hostile force as a C-130B Aircraft Commander of the 772d Tactical Airlift Squadron, 463d Tactical Airlift Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action at Tenle Cham, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 December 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Mathiasen was engaged in an emergency re-supply mission to airland vitally needed ammunition to friendly forces at Tenle Cham, when a mortar attack occurred. Disregarding his personal safety, Colonel Mathiasen stayed with his aircraft while under heavy hostile fire to unload, taxi, and take off. Thus it was through Lieutenant Colonel Mathiasen’s exemplary heroism under fire that the mission was completed and his crew and aircraft saved. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Mathiasen has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.