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 Master Sergeant James D. Scott, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 July 1970. On that date, Sergeant Scott, with complete disregard for his own person safety, volunteered to descend to the ground to search for a United States Air Force pilot downed in an extremely hostile area. After finding the injured survivor, he administered badly needed first aid and then directed the helicopter over their position to recover the survivor, thereby preventing his death or capture by opposing hostile forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Scott has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.