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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Musnicki, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Detachment 12, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force, in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 18 November 1972. On that date, Sergeant Musnicki, a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily penetrated deep into an extremely hostile and heavily defended area of North Vietnam to rescue two downed American airmen. At great risk to his own life, he willingly exposed himself to hostile ground forces while manning the minigun position. Sergeant Musnicki’s professional skill suppressing the ground fire being directed at his vulnerable aircraft was directly responsible in the successful completion of this hazardous rescue. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Musnicki has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Kenneth J. Musnicki, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Detachment 12, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force, in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 27 June 1972. On that date, Sergeant Musnicki, a Pararescue Recovery Specialist on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily penetrated deep into North Vietnam to effect the daring aerial rescue of a downed Air Force pilot. For over one hour, he manned an unprotected minigun position and willingly subjected himself to continual ground fire to provide protective cover for his vulnerable aircraft. His professional performance, at great risk to his own life, was instrumental in the recovery of this imperiled airman virtually from the hands of his would be captors. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Musnicki has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.