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 Major Charles C. Vasiliadis (AFSN: FR-53233), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 strike pilot of the 333d Tactical Fighter Squadron, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action over North Vietnam, on 4 November 1966. On that date, Major Vasiliadis was element lead in a four-ship flight of F-105s whose mission was to suppress anti-aircraft fire on a high priority target located on the Northeast Railroad. Despite extremely heavy barrages of all caliber anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missile firings from the interlocking surface-to-air missile defenses in the area, Major Vasiliadis released his flak suppression ordnance directly on a firing 85 millimeter site causing its destruction. The effective flak suppression rendered by Major Vasiliadis and his flight contributed directly to the destruction of this high priority target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Vasiliadis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.




