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 Joshua Michael Hallada, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan on 23 April 2011. On that date as Flight Lead of Pedro 83, 83d Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, Captain Hallada led a two ship of HH-60G Pavehawk rescue helicopters to recover two United States Army pilots downed in the Allasay Valley, an enemy controlled area east of Bagram. After executing hoist insertions of Pararescue teams, Captain Hallada’s wingman took effective enemy small arms fire, damaging the aircraft and seriously injuring his flight engineer. He directed his wingman to return to base, then selflessly flew multiple weapons passes, defending his teams on the ground and killing at least one insurgent. Realizing the mounting insurgent offensive, Captain Hallada used overhead AH-64D Attack Weapons Teams as cover to attempt rescue of his teams and distressed pilots. During the first approach, effective enemy fire disabled the hoist on his aircraft. Without a hoist, Captain Hallada executed a daring approach to a one wheel landing behind concealing terrain, recovering one of his two teams and one of the downed pilots. On takeoff his aircraft took heavy fire, causing more severe damage to his HH-60G. Despite multiple emergencies, Captain Hallada stayed on station providing cover for his two team members and the remaining pilot still at the crash site. With his wingman back on station, Captain Hallada expeditiously transferred his crew to a fresh aircraft, and without hesitation directed his formation back to the crash site. Captain Hallada led his formation five more times into enemy fire, ultimately recovering the remaining pilot and team, and rescuing a Soldier critically wounded in the effort. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Hallada has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.