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 John D. Cragin, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States at Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, on 1 November 1964. On that date while off duty, Captain Cragin was awaken by the sounds of a devastating mortar attack that struck the base shortly after midnight. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Cragin rushed to the flight line and volunteered to fight the fire that had engulfed a number of B-57 aircraft. He doggedly stayed with this almost suicidal duty, with 20 millimeter ammunition exploding all around him, until the situation was under control. Although exhausted from this trying experience, he again volunteered to help recover the wounded and search for the missing in the burning ruble of the barracks. By his gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Cragin has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.