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 Sergeant George P. Gonzales, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Thanh Hoa, North Vietnam on 10 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant Gonzales voluntarily flew into a highly hostile and heavily defended area to attempt the rescue of a downed American airman. When all of the miniguns on his hovering helicopter were rendered inoperative due to intense ground fire, he valiantly continued protective fire with his handheld weapon in order that the helicopter’s position above the survivor could be maintained. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Sergeant Gonzales has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.