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 Rae Clyde Hodges, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Pleiku Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia from 23 February to 28 February 1970. During this period, Captain Hodges flew in support of a company-size friendly force which was performing a blocking mission on an infiltration route deep in hostile mountainous territory, Despite an intensely hostile aerial environment, he directed the employment of tactical aircraft and heavy artillery against an opposing battalion-size force, thus preventing the loss of many friendly lives, ensuring the completion of the team’s mission and inflicting severe losses on the hostile force. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Hodges reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.