The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Barry Robert Walls (AFSN: FV 0-3153891), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date, Captain Walls was Aircraft Commander of a HH-53C helicopter which provided protective cover for other aircraft and then attempted to rescue a fellow airman reported to be in a downed aircraft. As he began his rescue attempt, an intensive barrage of ground fire was directed at his aircraft. Despite this hostile fire, Captain Walls maintained a stable hover until it was determined for certain that there were no fellow airmen to be rescued, and only then did he leave the area. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the S.S. MAYAGUEZ and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Walls has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.