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 First Lieutenant William S. Madsen, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed hostile force at Fire Support Base SIX, in the Central Highlands, Republic of Vietnam, on 7 April 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Madsen scrambled in his F-100 from the Phan Rang alert facility to provide close air support for a South Vietnamese Ranger camp in immediate danger of complete annihilation by a hostile force. Lieutenant Madsen made repeated low level attacks under hazardous conditions of low weather, mountainous terrain, heavy anti-aircraft fire, less than one mile visibility, and flying through allied artillery. His devastating attacks prevented overrun of the friendly position and allowed the allied troops to hold their strategic camp on the hostile frontier. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Madsen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.