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 David J. Wheeler, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near A Shau, Republic of Vietnam on 9 March 1966. On that date, Sergeant Wheeler performed as a Pararescue Technician aboard a rescue helicopter which flew through a hail of continuous fire and intense ground fire to aid in the rescue of downed USAF aircrew members holding out in their crashed aircraft only forty meters from Viet Cong positions. By his selfless participation in this courageous and aggressive action in the face of overwhelming odds, Sergeant Wheeler was instrumental in saving the lives of three seriously wounded airmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Wheeler has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.