The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant James Christian Kiffer (NSN: 0-731704), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Reconnaissance Attack Squadron ONE embarked in U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-60). On 6 August 1972, Lieutenant Kiffer meticulously planned and successfully led a photo reconnaissance mission against a heavily defended vehicle complex in Southeast Asia. Despite degraded aircraft navigation and reconnaissance systems, last minute revisions, engagement by eleven surface-to-air missiles, and combat damage to his aircraft Lieutenant Kiffer never faltered in his execution of this mission. Only when faced with a deteriorating fuel situation, and visual acquisition of a possible enemy aircraft did he break off the reconnaissance run. His calm determination not only led to the successful conclusion of the mission but was also responsible for preventing the loss of a reconnaissance aircraft. Lieutenant Kiffer’s professional airmanship and courage reflected great upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.