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 Edward M. Ladou (AFSN: AO-1908691), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy on 14 August 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Ladou piloted his unarmed SA-16 rescue aircraft over 50 miles into enemy-held North Korea to effect the rescue of a downed United Nations airman. As the pilot was swimming in the Taedong River near Chinnampo, Korea, Lieutenant Ladou landed his aircraft in the water, in spite of known heavy automatic weapons fire, floating debris and unknown shoals and rocks below the surface of the muddy river. With skill and tenacity, he completed the successful rescue of the pilot, preventing his capture by the enemy. Through his flying skill, courage, and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Ladou reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.