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 Major James Donald Gormley, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bomber of the 333d Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 24 October 1967. On that date, Major Gormley led a force of forty aircraft on the historic first attack against the largest and most heavily defended interceptor airfield in North Vietnam. In marginal weather conditions and in the face of surface-to-air missile launches, interceptor aircraft attacks, and intense anti-aircraft fire, he led his force through successful completion of the mission and then remained in the area to escort the last bomb flight away from the target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Gormley has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.