The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James K. Bryson (AFSN: 31427175), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Technician on a Rescue Helicopter of the 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action on 23 November 1950 by assisting in the rescue of an injured American fighter pilot deep in enemy territory, five miles south of Kanggye, Korea. Sergeant Bryson, assigned as medical technician crew member of a rescue helicopter, volunteered for a pilot pick-up mission with full knowledge that the immediate area of the pick-up contained numerous enemy troops, and that the fuel supply of the helicopter might not be sufficient for the return flight to friendly territory. After flying eighty miles behind enemy lines, the helicopter landed near the injured pilot who had fired a flare to expose his position. Enemy troops immediately opened fire with automatic weapons and rifles. With complete disregard for his own life, Staff Sergeant Bryson jumped from the helicopter and ran to the aid of the injured pilot. With enemy fire striking dangerously near, often as close as two feet, Sergeant Bryson assisted the injured pilot to the helicopter. While taking off, the helicopter was hit in the tail cone, but succeeded in returning to Sinanju. Sergeant Bryson’s courage in the face of enemy fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.