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 Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Stephen Pappas (AFSN: 0-36455), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller of the 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 18 January 1968. On that date, Colonel Pappas, flying at low altitude during darkness, subjected himself to intense anti-aircraft fire while making repeated low passes over hostile truck convoys, dropping flares, marking locations, and providing ground fire information to the attack aircraft. His extraordinary effort resulted in the silencing of two anti-aircraft artillery positions and destruction of tons of vital hostile supplies destined for use against friendly forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Pappas has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.