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 J. B. Smith (AFSN: 20638A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States as Pilot of an unarmed jet photo reconnaissance aircraft of the 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 543d Tactical Support Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action in Korea, on 21 January 1951. Captain Smith displayed great courage in volunteering to go on a special mission, his second in two days, to obtain low altitude oblique photographs of the heavily defended city of Pyongyang, Korea. Realizing the importance of these photographs to the United Nations efforts, he undertook this mission although he knew he would be subjected to intense anti-aircraft and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he entered the strongly defended target area and was last heard from when he radioed that he was beginning the first of his two planned photographic runs. Captain Smith’s gallantry and devotion to duty in volunteering for this extremely hazardous mission 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.