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 Charles Henry Field, Jr. (AFSN: AO-1908319), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action on 30 April 1951 as Pilot of a highly vulnerable H-5 Rescue Helicopter of Detachment ONE, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action on a mission to rescue a South African Air Force flyer who had bailed out near Sinmak, Korea. Arriving in the area Lieutenant Field located the pilot who was flashing a signal mirror near a hilltop. When he discovered the man was wounded he let down immediately to prevent his capture by encircling enemy troops. As the helicopter landed, enemy forces who had remained concealed from the fighter cover, opened up with intense small arms fire. Although his aircraft was hit in the engine section, Lieutenant Field remained at the radio and directed fighters to neutralize enemy positions and to strafe enemy soldiers rushing his aircraft as the wounded pilot was assisted aboard. The enemy continued firing at the helicopter as Lieutenant Field took off and until he was several miles from the pick-up point. Although the aircraft was trailing smoke from a severed oil line and engine failure was threatened, Lieutenant Field flew safely back to friendly territory. Lieutenant Field’s gallantry in risking his life to save another 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.