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 Philip Michael Pacini, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date, Lieutenant Pacini, Aircraft Commander of an HH-53C helicopter of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, persisted in the face of intensive ground fire and succeeded in delivering his contingent of United States Marines to the small landing zone on the beach. Though the aircraft was severely crippled from the severe hostile fire, he managed to recover the valuable aircraft in friendly territory. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the S.S. Mayaguez and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Pacini has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.