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 Thomas H. O’Connor, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Southeast Asia as an A-1 Skyraider pilot on 9 November 1968. On that date, Major O’Connor participated with great courage and determination in the successful rescue effort for the co-pilot of an F-4 fighter aircraft who was forced to eject when his aircraft was hit by fierce anti-aircraft fire. The survivor had parachuted into a heavily defended hostile supply complex surrounded by unfriendly gun positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major O’Connor delivered his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy in the face of superior multiple gun anti-aircraft fire, on hostile troops that were approaching the survivor. His ordnance expended, Major O’Connor risked his life by remaining at low altitude in this hostile environment for over thirty minutes searching the area for hostile troops during the pickup. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major O’Connor has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.