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 Larry James Chesley (AFSN: AF-19547443/FV-3147498), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Pilot with the 433d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action in Southeast Asia on 16 April 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Chesley led a flight of two F-4C Fighter-Bombers on a twilight armed reconnaissance mission against a heavily defended target deep within hostile territory. Locating the target despite restricted visibility due to haze and terrain, Lieutenant Chesley encountered a curtain of flak as he rolled in for his first strike. Immediately altering his attack, although at a dangerously low altitude, he turned into the very teeth of fire from the menacing guns and continued to press the attack until his aircraft sustained mortal damage, forcing him to eject. This courageous act, attempted in the face of devastating ground fire at minimum altitude and great personal risk, epitomized the finest qualities of a true combat pilot. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Chesley has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Larry James Chesley (AFSN: AF-19547443/FV-3147498), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 21 April 1966, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Captain Chesley resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.