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 First Lieutenant Glenn Franklin Howerton, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller with the Advisory Team, Ban Me Thout Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 November 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Howerton directed tactical air power on hostile forces, resulting in the successful rescue of a company of friendly soldiers who were surrounded by a numerically superior hostile force. He skillfully and courageously flew his unarmed light aircraft low over the battle area in prohibitive weather conditions to locate and accurately mark the hostile positions. His aerial skill and unexcelled bravery in the face of intense hostile ground fire were the decisive factors in the defeat of the hostile forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Howerton has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.