Joseph F. Daly

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Joseph F. Daly, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy on 9 August 1951 as a Tactical Reconnaissance Pilot. Captain Daly volunteered to fly deep into enemy held territory, unescorted and unarmed in an RF-80 type aircraft to acquire much needed photographs of a communications line and other targets which were located only a few miles from a large enemy air base. Captain Daly flew to his targets and started his first photographic run over the communications line; several runs were necessary to complete coverage of all the targets. Another RF-80 type aircraft circling nearer the enemy base warned Captain Daly that two enemy aircraft were taking off. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Daly elected to remain in the area and pursued his mission until the enemy jet aircraft made their attack. Captain Daly’s aircraft was hit in the right wing by a 37-mm. shell, which completely destroyed one fuel tank. A 23-mm. shell hit the right side of the fuselage, and three fragments pierced the canopy. Violent evasive action followed, and through Captain Daly’s skill in flying and his understanding of the enemy’s capabilities, he was able to evade the enemy aircraft in the ensuing fight in which the enemy made at least five firing passes. He then flew his crippled aircraft twenty minutes under instrument conditions and returned to a friendly base two hundred and thirty miles away and with information needed on the enemy’s activities. Captain Daly’s gallantry, skill and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.