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 Major Pearce Hildreth Young, Jr. (AFSN: 0-53321), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller of the 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 26 December 1967. On that night, he voluntarily and at great personal risk, flew far into hostile territory to an area strongly defended by multiple anti-aircraft artillery positions to seek out and destroy a hostile truck convoy. Out maneuvering heavy anti-aircraft fire with his unarmed aircraft, his aggressiveness and skill as a Forward Air Controller resulted in the destruction of three anti-aircraft positions and tons of vital supplies destined for use against friendly forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Young has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Pearce Hildreth Young, Jr. (AFSN: 0-53321), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over the Republic of Vietnam on 14 January 1968. On that date, Major Young completed his assigned objective in accordance with the highest military standards. The tenacity and aggressiveness of this officer to complete the objective with professional airmanship and outstanding courage reflects only the highest degree of devotion to his mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Young reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Pearce Hildreth Young, Jr. (AFSN: 0-53321), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an O-2A Pilot in Southeast Asia on 30 June 1968. On that date, while acting as a Forward Air Controller for a concerted rescue and extraction effort, Major Young was an invaluable member of an inter-service team which effected the successful evacuation of a seven-man intelligence unit from an extremely dangerous location deep in hostile territory. Using his extensive knowledge of the area, Major Young quickly pointed out the only possible extraction site near the ground team. During the actual pickup, Major Young flew his unarmed and vulnerable aircraft at low altitudes to observe and divert the opposing forces in pursuit of the friendly unit and to be able to immediately direct escorting A-1E aircraft in sanitizing the exfiltration area if necessary. His actions enabled three CH3 Helicopters to successfully rescue the seven men from the jungle and hostile forces below. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Young reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.