The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Joseph S. Abbott, Jr. (AFSN: AO-3057099), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Pilot in the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, PACIFIC AIR FORCES, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 30 April 1967. On that date, Captain Abbott was flying top cover with his element leader in direct support of search and rescue operations for two downed crews just south of the Red River Delta when he observed a flight of MiG 21’s attacking the element. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Abbott deliberately diverted the attacking hostile aircraft from his damaged element leader. The courageous and aggressive display of airmanship, against overwhelming odds, thwarted the attack against his leader and enabled him to recover his damaged aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Abbott has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.