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 Willis Grant Uhls (AFSN: FR-3196550), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Detachment 1, 56th Special Operations Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, near Nghia, Xuan, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 April 1970. On that date, Lieutenant Uhls was responsible for saving the friendly village of Nghia Xuan from being overrun and destroyed by courageously flying his damaged aircraft to direct tactical air power on the threatening hostile forces. After successfully repulsing the hostile assault, Lieutenant Uhls skillfully landed his damaged aircraft at his nearby unimproved airfield, thereby saving a valuable combat aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Uhls has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.