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 Geoffrey Scott Gorsuch (AFSN: FR-3196167), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller with the 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 5 April 1972. On that date, Captain Gorsuch was engaged in a search and rescue operation when he was fired upon by numerous surface-to-air missiles launched from North Vietnam. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and regardless of the fact that his aircraft had sustained battle damage, Captain Gorsuch evaded the missiles and intense groundfire to accurately pinpoint the launch site and direct its destruction. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Gorsuch has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.