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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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Harreld Pirtle Martin (AFSN: 0-63976), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller, 10th Tactical Air Support Squadron, 504th Tactical Air Support Group, SEVENTH Air Force, directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 4 May 1968. On that date, Captain Martin went to the rescue of a friendly ground team that was surrounded by a numerically superior hostile force. Despite heavy hostile ground fire and poor weather, Captain Martin’s outstanding direction of close air support caused the hostile force to withdraw and resulted in the successful extraction of the friendly forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Martin has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    10th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Regiment:

    504th Tactical Air Support Group

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 11, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain Harreld Pirtle Martin (AFSN: 0-63976), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 11 July 1968. On that date, a friendly ground force was pinned down by intense hostile ground fire. Despite great personal danger from this ground fire, Captain Martin courageously directed tactical airpower in close air support of the friendly unit until the hostile force was routed. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Martin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.