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 David Hugh Holmes (AFSN: FR-67827/AO-3096863), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 22d Tactical Air Support Squadron in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 March 1966. On that date, Captain Holmes, flying a light O-1E observation aircraft as a Forward Air Controller, discovered an anti-aircraft weapons complex of at least battalion strength. When two B-57 aircraft arrived and were briefed on the target, Captain Holmes rallied in to mark the point he had selected as the best place for them to bomb. At this time a massive barrage of anti-aircraft fire came from the selected strike area. Even though Captain Holmes’ aircraft was shot down in the initial phase of the attack, his dedicated efforts to outline and fully define the extent of the target complex provided other friendly forces with the necessary information to continue the attack. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Holmes has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.