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 Colonel Herbert J. Gavin, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an RF-4C aircraft of the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, FAR EAST Air Forces, in action over the Republic of Vietnam, on 17 September 1968. On that date, Colonel Gavin flew his unarmed and unescorted RF-4C reconnaissance jet against a heavily defended target of vital importance in the defense of the Dak To area of South Vietnam. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Gavin repeatedly exposed himself to an intense concentration of ground fire to successfully accomplish vital photographic coverage of this high priority target area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Colonel Gavin has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.