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 Russell G. Winegar (AFSN: AO-740620), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while serving as Co-Pilot of a Rescue Helicopter of the 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action on 17 April 1951. Captain Winegar volunteered to act as co-pilot of an unarmed, highly vulnerable H-19 helicopter which airlifted a team of highly trained intelligence specialists behind enemy lines to secure enemy materiel of vital intelligence value to the United States Air Force. Although heavy anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire was encountered over enemy territory and the helicopter engine was hit by fragmentation, Captain Winegar succeeded in establishing a defensive position while the intelligence personnel collected the equipment and loaded it aboard the helicopter. This action, requiring thirty-five minutes, was conducted under extremely hazardous conditions as the materiel was situated in an area of enemy activity only a few miles from a major enemy supply depot. On the return flight, heavy anti-aircraft fire was again encountered, severely damaging the aircraft. Severe vibrations shook the crippled aircraft as it limped out to sea under intensified fire from land and shore batteries. After flying more than eighty miles over the Yellow Sea, an emergency landing was made on a small island under friendly control from which the crew and equipment were later evacuated. The accomplishment of this mission provided technical data of immeasurable intelligence value to the United States Air Force. Captain Winegar’s extraordinary 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.