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 Staff Sergeant Samuel A. Messel (AFSN: 16606274), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a C-123 Loadmaster, in action near Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 may 1968. On that date, Sergeant Messel and his crew landed at Kham Duc to evacuate the last three Americans prior to the abandonment of the airfield to hostile forces. In spite of heavy small-arms fire, intense mortar fire and with hostile forces in control of the airdrome, Sergeant Messel and his crew landed and located these personnel. Although unable to complete the pick-up because of the hidden location of these personnel and an inadequate fuel supply, Sergeant Messel was able to direct a follow-on aircraft to a pick-up point which allowed a successful evacuation. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Messel has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.