The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John C. Hays, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a Rescue Helicopter of the 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action in Korea on 26 January 1952. First Lieutenant Hayes piloted a slow and unarmed helicopter, flying across miles of icy seas to rescue a United Nations fighter pilot who had been downed in enemy-held territory. Although aware of the danger of a long flight into a known enemy concentration across freezing waters, that would have meant almost certain death in the event of a forced landing, First Lieutenant Hays voluntarily flew to the downed pilot’s location. Snow flurries en route restricted visibility and added to the hazardous nature of the flight. During the pick-up, enemy small arms fire was encountered, but First Lieutenant Hays hovered over the pilot, lowered a hoist cable fitted with a sling and, when the fighter pilot was secure, reeled it in as he climbed for altitude. He then made the return flight across the treacherous water. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Hays, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.