The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain Fred Shannon (AFSN: 0-3100995), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 Electronics Warfare Officer of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 20 May 1967. On that date, Captain Shannon exhibited outstanding courage, initiative and determination in leading a defense suppression flight in support of a major strike force attacking a critical hostile target eight miles north of Hanoi. Suppressing three missile sites, and maneuvering six missiles and inflicting heavy damage to hostile anti-aircraft artillery sites while permitting the strike force to operate unscathed demonstrated the highest degree of courageous judgment in the face of overwhelming defenses. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Shannon has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.