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 the Silver Star to Captain Thomas J. Trask, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in central Iraq on 21 February 1991. On that date, Captain Trask, a MH-53J Pave Low helicopter pilot, took off from ArAr, Saudi Arabia in instrument meteorological conditions and flew using unique Pave Low terrain following navigation systems into Iraq to rescue a downed Navy F-14 pilot. This was the first rescue of a downed airman in Iraq, only 30 miles from Baghdad. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Trask has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.