The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Daniel P. Gillon, Jr. (MCSN: 0-31869), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Pilot in Marine Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMA-312), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 December 1952. When the pilot of an attack plane was forced to parachute into the icy waters of the Taedong estuary after his plane was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire during an aerial assault against a major enemy supply installation, Captain Gillon immediately alerted rescue facilities, directed other friendly aircraft to the scene and established a high protective cover for the downed pilot. With a flight of hostile jet interceptors approaching at high speed to harass friendly helicopters and surface craft engaged in the rescue operation, he quickly maneuvered his plane to meet this threat and deliberately engaged the vastly superior fighters in head-on firing runs, successfully diverting the enemy attack on the defenseless helicopters. In the ensuing aerial duel, he aggressively participated with his fellow airmen to thwart repeated enemy attempts to interrupt the rescue, and assisted in forcing the hostile fighters to disengage. Subsequently, with the friendly surface craft subjected to intense enemy anti-aircraft and shore battery fire, he immediately carried out a low dive to strafe the weapons and, when his supply of ammunition was exhausted, continued simulated runs which effectively suppressed the hostile fire. Although his fuel reserve had reached a dangerously low level, he fearlessly continued his threatening attacks until other friendly aircraft arrived on the scene, and then safely returned to his carrier base. His indomitable fighting spirit, superb airmanship and courageous efforts in behalf of another reflect great credit upon Captain Gillon and the United States Naval Service.