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 Sergeant Dennis C. Williamson, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 2 June 1972. On that date, Sergeant Williamson, a Pararescue Recovery Specialist on an HH-53C rescue helicopter, voluntarily penetrated deep into an extremely hostile and heavily defended area of North Vietnam to assist in the recovery of a downed American airman. At great risk to his own life, he willingly exposed himself to hostile ground forces while manning his minigun position. Sergeant Williamson’s professional skill in suppressing the ground fire being directed at his vulnerable aircraft was instrumental in the successful completion of this hazardous rescue. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Williamson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.