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 Airman First Class Robert L. Harris, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pararescue/Recovery Specialist in Southeast Asia on 17 May 1969. On that date, Airman Harris participated in a gallant attempt to rescue a mortally wounded airman located in a highly fortified hostile mountain pass. After the injured airman reported he was getting weak and voice contact was lost, Airman Harris descended on the hoist while under hostile fire, and spent five minutes on the ground verifying the injuries as fatal. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Harris has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.