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 Captain Julian Matthews Chesnutt, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States while serving as Pilot of an F-16 of the 555th Fighter Squadron, at or near Serbia, on 31 May 1999. On that date, while leading a four-ship of F-16s as part of a large strike package on a battlefield air interdiction mission near Belgrade, Captain Chesnutt observed enemy air defenses launch three SA-6 surface-to-air missiles at his formation. Using his night vision goggles and targeting pod, he determined the precise location of the active surface-to-air missile site by following the missile smoke trails back to the launcher. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he selflessly placed himself between the guiding missiles and his flight members and locked up on the launcher with his targeting pod. With missiles in the air and flight mates in full defense, he calmly guided his bombs into the shooting launcher scoring a direct hit and producing some of the most spectacular bomb damage assessment of the air campaign. Captain Chesnutt’s incredible coolness under fire when leading this courageous and aggressive attack resulted in a complete shut down of enemy air defenses in the area allowing the remaining strike package to proceed untouched. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Chesnutt has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.