The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Bryan Lee McDowell, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Detachment 12, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia, on 18 November 1972. On that date, Lieutenant McDowell, a Co-Pilot of an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily flew deep into North Vietnam to rescue two downed American aircrew members. His superior ability and determination, while braving the intense ground fire being directed at his vulnerable aircraft, enabled him to rescue two aircrew members from certain death or capture by hostile North Vietnamese forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant McDowell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.