The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Paul L. Carlisle (AFSN: 15306A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy Pilot of an F-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 23 November 1950. On that date Captain Carlisle flew on a combat mission against the enemy near Mupyongni, Korea. Captain Carlisle led a flight of two F-51 type aircraft on a pre-briefed mission to fly Combat Air Patrol over a downed pilot of his squadron. Because of low ceilings, darkness and adverse weather conditions, it was doubtful that the flight could penetrate into the search area. However, despite these obstacles, Captain Carlisle departed from an advance airfield in Korea on a pre-dawn take-off. He displayed outstanding navigational ability, leading his flight to the area of the downed pilot by following river beds and railroads beneath the overcast. Captain Carlisle aggressively pressed the attack against enemy forces advancing towards the downed pilot, destroying machine gun positions and continually driving the enemy back to cover. He continued to press daring passes in the face of intense ground fire, making some non-firing passes to conserve ammunition. Each pass deterred the enemy and allowed the friendly pilot to re-position himself. After flying over the downed pilot for three hours, Captain Carlisle’s aircraft received a direct hit in the engine section, causing partial loss of power, restricting his aircraft to slow speed. Even though his aircraft was damaged, rather than leave the downed pilot unprotected, Captain Carlisle courageously continued his protective cover, subjecting himself to intense enemy ground fire. For two additional hours, he patrolled the area, making passes to the attacking enemy, killing an un-estimated number of enemy soldiers and destroying many gun positions. Repeated attempts were made by the enemy to reach the downed pilot but each attack was beaten off and repulsed by Captain Carlisle’s skillful maneuvering and aggressive counter attacks. For five hours, this protective cover was flown over the friendly pilot. After the rescue helicopter arrived and the pilot was successfully evacuated, Captain Carlisle proceeded to the nearest friendly airfield with minimum fuel remaining. Through the risk of his own life, Captain Carlisle was directly responsible for saving a fellow pilot’s life. Captain Carlisle’s courage and gallant action were 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.