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 Richard Layne Craft, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam, on 3 October 1967. On that date, while escorting two RF-4C’s through the most heavily defended area in North Vietnam, Captain Craft’s aircraft sustained a hit from hostile ground fire, causing serious damage including loss of power in the right engine. When hostile aircraft seriously crippled his lead aircraft, Captain Craft remained in the area in the face of active anti-aircraft fire, surface to air missile activity, and threatening hostile aircraft to lend assistance. Even in his crippled condition, Captain Craft initiated the rescue effort which eventually picked up his lead crew, and stayed on station until it was absolutely necessary for him to leave. As a result of Captain Craft’s superior skill and exceptional valor, two crew members were expeditiously rescued, and he was able to recover his own crippled aircraft at a friendly airfield. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Craft has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.