The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Air Force Award) to Sergeant John C. Flanagan (AFSN: RA-42275143), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 17 February 1951 near Seoul, Korea while flying as a Medical Technician Crew Member in an unarmed and highly vulnerable H-5 Rescue Helicopter of Detachment ONE, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force.. Fully aware of the great personal risk involved, Sergeant Flanagan displayed a high degree of valor in attempting to effect the rescue of a downed United Nations pilot from an area behind enemy lines. When the helicopter touched the ground in the area where the downed airman lay tangled in his parachute, the enemy deployed in the immediate vicinity opened fire with small arms and automatic weapons. Sergeant Flanagan demonstrated outstanding courage by leaving the aircraft and making his way to the side of the inert pilot. He determined that the airman was dead and searched the body for identification while subject to intense enemy fire. Sergeant Flanagan’s gallantry and devotion to duty in the face of aggressive enemy action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the United States Army.