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 Arthur L. O’Connor, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber and as Flight Commander, 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action in Korea, on 6 October 1951. On that date, Lieutenant O’Connor was element leader of a formation of four F-86 aircraft on a combat air patrol in the Sinanju area of North Korea. Upon arrival in the target area, Lieutenant O’Connor’s flight was subjected to attack by a superior number of enemy jet aircraft. During the engagement, Lieutenant O’Connor repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in defense of his leader. Sighting a formation of six enemy jet fighters attacking two F-86s below him, Lieutenant O’Connor unhesitatingly led his element to their assistance. Flying into their midst and disrupting the enemy’s assault with the viciousness of his attack, Lieutenant O’Connor enabled the distressed flight of F-86s to engage a formation of enemy aircraft attacking friendly fighter-bombers below. In this battle, Lieutenant O’Connor’s wing aircraft was heavily damaged by enemy fire and the pilot momentarily lost control of his aircraft. Recovering with great difficulty, Lieutenant O’Connor’s wingman attempted a withdrawal, when the enemy concentrated on totally destroying him. Lieutenant O’Connor eluded the enemy with whom he was engaged to assist his comrade. Although out-numbered six to one he inflicted heavy damage to one of the enemy ships and escorted his wingman from the target area to friendly territory. The skill and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant O’Connor in the face of overwhelming odds reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.