The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel John G. Foster (AFSN: AO-439706), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy as a Pilot of an RF-80 Reconnaissance Aircraft of the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 18 February 1953. On that date, Colonel Foster’s mission was to photograph three highly classified targets deep in enemy territory in an unarmed RF-80 type aircraft. As Colonel Foster neared the first target, his aircraft received damage upon release of the tip tanks. Although Colonel Foster was fully aware that his aircraft’s maneuverability was impaired, he continued on his assigned mission, and after photographing his first target, was intercepted by four enemy aircraft. Skillfully eluding the attacking aircraft, Colonel Foster photographed his remaining targets in the face of a numerically superior enemy, obtaining photographic intelligence information of vital importance to the United Nations’ effort. Colonel Foster’s outstanding demonstration of gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty above and beyond the normal call reflected great credit upon himself, the FIFTH Air Force, and the United States Air Force.