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 Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Gene Bowling, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an F-4C Aircraft Commander in the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Force, near the Duc Lap Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 August 1968. On that date, Colonel bowling flew a mission in direct support of beleaguered friendly ground forces being mortared and in danger of being overrun by a numerically superior hostile force. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Bowling made repeated passes through the lethal envelope of heavy hostile weapons fire to deliver his ordnance with devastating accuracy. In spite of the great danger and numerous obstacles, the hostile forces and their equipment were completely destroyed to allow an organized withdrawal in relieving the friendly ground forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Bowling has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.