The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Harry H. Okamoto (AFSN: AF-56045010), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Technician on a Rescue Helicopter of Detachment ONE, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action in Korea, on 20 March 1951. On this date, Sergeant Okamoto volunteered for a mission to rescue a United Nations pilot forced down 30 miles behind enemy lines. As medical technician and combat air crewman, Sergeant Okamoto accompanied an unarmed helicopter to the location of the distressed pilot. A landing was attempted on reaching the area, but extremely heavy barrages of enemy fire forced the aircraft to orbit while escorting fighter planes strafed the ground. Repeated attempts to land were met by enemy fire until fighter planes effected a momentary lull. Although sill amidst continuous fire, the helicopter was able to land and Sergeant Okamoto assisted the pilot into the aircraft. Sergeant Okamoto’s courage and devotion to duty were 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.