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 Walter L. Johnston (AFSN: AO-2095970), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot of an H-19 Rescue Helicopter with Detachment ONE, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action in Korea, on 28 September 1952. Flying within twenty miles of the mouth of the Yalu River on a mission to recover a downed United Nations pilot, Lieutenant Johnston was advised that enemy aircraft were overhead and to turn back until friendly aircraft could arrive. However, he elected to continue on course. On arriving over the downed pilot Lieutenant Johnston displayed extraordinary airmanship to get the pilot aboard. Roaring waves which at one time struck the under side of the helicopter, endangered the operation. Further, the force disconnected the rescue sling from the cable, necessitating an improvised rope ladder to effect the pick up. Despite these extreme conditions, Lieutenant Johnston through his leadership and skill accomplished a successful rescue, saving a United Nations pilot from certain death. By his personal courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Johnston brought great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.