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 First Lieutenant James Samuel Allen (AFSN: FR-83366), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller with the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nha Trang Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Force, while directing fighter aircraft strikes near Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 March 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Allen was flying his O-1 Bird Dog aircraft in support of friendly forces engaged by a larger hostile force. Lieutenant Allen’s timely and explicit instructions to the fighter pilots enabled them to deliver their ordnance with extreme accuracy under adverse conditions in close proximity to the friendly forces. Although he received battle damage to his aircraft, Lieutenant Allen remained in the target area making low passes over automatic weapon positions to draw their fire and expose them to attacks from the fighter aircraft. Lieutenant Allen, by his outstanding heroism, saved the lives of many friendly troops, risking his own life to protect theirs. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Allen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.