The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Birton Eugene McMullen (NSN: 0-320519), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Pilot of a Helicopter in Helicopter Squadron ONE, based on board the U.S.S. LST 799, during a rescue mission near Wonson, Korea, on 13 June 1952. Skillfully piloting his helicopter at low altitude over the mountainous terrain to the scene of a pilot downed in enemy territory, Lieutenant McMullen expertly maneuvered his vulnerable plane in the face of intense hostile rifle and machine-gun fire and succeeded in reaching a position where his crewman could lower the rescue sling and recover the downed airman. While returning to his base, he sighted another pilot in the water approximately 400 yards from shoreline and quickly carried out a second rescue, returning both airmen to safety. His superb airmanship, outstanding courage and unswerving devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Lieutenant McMullen and the United States Naval Service.