The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Frank Shawn Hoffecker, Jr. (MCSN: 0-8609), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Squadron THREE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-311), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 30 July 1951. Carefully briefing his squadron before the mission, Major Hoffecker skillfully led them in a daring strike against hostile forces in the city of P’yongyang. Due to conditions which necessitated flying by instruments, he led the group to the target above the overcast and, with outstanding navigational ability, executed a difficult instrument letdown into the target area with seventeen planes. Although the flight was subjected to continued intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire, he was responsible for allowing each pilot to take evasive action and thus avoid the heavy fire. Forced to begin his attack from a dangerously low altitude, he immediately located the target and spearheaded an effective bombing and strafing attack, inflicting severe damage on enemy supplies and starting numerous fires in the area. When weather conditions made it impossible for the pilots to maintain visual contact with each other during the strike, he skillfully coordinated the attack by radio. Major Hoffecker’s exceptional tactical ability, inspiring leadership and courageous devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.