Navy Federal Credit Union

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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Action Date:

    May 4, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant James Douglas Locker, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Specialist on an HH-3E in Southeast Asia on 4 May 1968. On that date, Sergeant Locker was instrumental in the rescue of two members of a Special Forces team that was in imminent danger of being overrun by the opposing forces that encircled their position in the A Shau Valley area. Despite intense hostile fire which severely damaged his aircraft, Sergeant Locker, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, effected the rescue of two Special Forces personnel. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Locker has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Action Date:

    June 9, 1968

    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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant James Douglas Locker, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a rescue specialist on an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 9 June 1968. On that date, Sergeant Locker participated in the attempted rescue of a downed pilot in one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. Despite intense, accurately directed hostile fire which severely damaged another aircraft, Sergeant Locker, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, stood in the open helicopter doorway awaiting deployment to assist the downed pilot when his aircraft was downed by hostile fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Locker has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.