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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel James D. Reeves (AFSN: FR-27775), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an A-1H pilot near Tigre Island, North Vietnam, on 20 October 1968. On that date, Colonel Reeves was scrambled, as flight lead of two A-1H Skyraiders, to provide air cover for rescue helicopters attempting the pickup of six downed crew members. As on-scene commander, Colonel Reeves, with complete disregard for his own safety, continuously exposed himself to extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire in order to effectively direct the suppression of hostile fire aimed at the downed crew members. His extraordinary bravery and valorous leadership were decisive factors in the successful rescue of the six American aircrewmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Reeves reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.