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 Vernon Dean Ellis (AFSN: FV-3119589), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over North Vietnam, on 27 October 1967. On that date, Captain Ellis was Deputy Commander of a force of twenty F-105s on a mission against a heavily defended railroad and highway bridge four miles from Hanoi. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire, numerous surface to air missiles, and the constant threat of hostile aircraft, Captain Ellis courageously penetrated the defenses and successfully placed his bombs on the target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Ellis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.