(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Louis A. Bechtold (ASN: 0-17259), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action over Southeast Asia, on 27 March 1968. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Bechtold has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.