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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant James Milton Jefferson (AFSN: FR-78733), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-4C Pilot of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over North Vietnam on 12 May 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Jefferson participated in an extremely hazardous escort mission. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire, surface-to-air missiles, and numerous hostile aircraft along his flight path, he carried out his mission in an outstanding manner. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Lieutenant Jefferson has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.