The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Thomas Francis Casserly, III (AFSN: 20141A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as a Flight Leader of three F-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, while engaged in a search mission for a mission B-26 aircraft near the Chinanypo Estuary on 5 April 1952. Flying at low altitude and at a very low airspeed necessitated by the nature of the mission, the three aircraft sustained hits from intense and heavy automatic weapons fire. The number three aircraft was completely disabled and the pilot bailed out. Lieutenant Casserly immediately alerted rescue facilities and began firing passes on various gun positions and enemy troops who were trying to reach the downed pilot. Though his aircraft was hit twice and was not developing full power, and despite heavy ground fire, Lieutenant Casserly continued to press his attacks against the enemy. Lieutenant Casserly’s strafing attacks kept the enemy troops clear of the downed pilot and reduced the heavy ground fire, enabling a helicopter to effect the rescue. By his heroic actions in disregarding his own personal safety to save a fellow pilot from certain capture, Lieutenant Casserly reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.