The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Samuel Pesacreta (AFSN: 14281A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber with the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 17 June 1951 over Korea. Captain Pesacreta was leading four F-86 planes in a squadron of sixteen on a combat aerial patrol, when shortly after reaching the target area, a large formation of enemy MiG-15 aircraft was sighted, closing for attack from an advantageous position. Captain Pesacreta turned his forces to meet the assault. His aggressive maneuver dispersed the enemy forces and damaged two enemy aircraft. During the battle, the Wingman was separated from the group as Captain Pesacreta withdrew from the target area. Approximately twenty-five miles south of the area Captain Pesacreta received a distress call from his Wingman. Although he was short on fuel and ammunition, Captain Pesacreta returned to the target area, cognizant of the danger of flying alone. Discovering the pilot harassed by enemy fighters, he immediately attacked. The fierceness of his assaults on the enemy formation disrupted their planned attack and enabled the distressed pilot to escape. Captain Pesacreta was also personally responsible for the destruction of one MiG-15. Captain Pesacreta’s courage, skill and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.