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 James Douglas Locker (AFSN: 15754661), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 7th Air Force, as Rescue Specialist on an HH-3E in Southeast Asia on 14 March 1968. On that date, Sergeant Locker penetrated an extremely heavily defended hostile area to attempt the rescue of a downed pilot. After one helicopter was disabled by intense hostile fire, Sergeant Locker made two attempts to rescue the downed pilot before his aircraft was hit by hostile fire. After it was determined that the aircraft was not seriously damaged, Sergeant Locker returned to make another rescue attempt. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Locker persisted in the rescue attempt until his aircraft was heavily damaged by hostile fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Locker has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.