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 Captain (Field Artillery) James A. Kilgore, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam, on 30 August 1963. As Pilot of a CH-21 Helicopter, Captain Kilgore was participating in a mission to support the ground forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam when another United States Army helicopter crashed in the midst of extremely heavy hostile gunfire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Kilgore landed his helicopter in the combat zone to assist in the evacuation of the crewmembers and equipment of the downed aircraft. When the Crew Chief of his helicopter was wounded, he swiftly left the aircraft, ran through the intense gunfire, and brought the wounded man back to the helicopter. His unselfish actions, professional skill, and courageous conduct while under flanking fire prevented the loss of life to a fellow soldier and valuable equipment from falling into the possession of hostile forces. Captain Kilgore’s conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military services.