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 Staff Sergeant Aaron D. Farrior, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 5 October 1966. On that date, as a Pararescue Specialist on a HH-3E Rescue Helicopter, Sergeant Farrior proceeded to deep into hostile territory and was successful in recovering one of two American pilots who had bailed out of their disabled aircraft. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Farrior voluntarily flew through heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire in order to reach the injured survivor before the hostile forces could capture him. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Farrior has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.