Frank J. Westerman

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 Frank J. Westerman (AFSN: AO-697077), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy as a Pilot, 6167th Air Base Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 27 March 1953. On that date, Captain Westerman flew an unarmed helicopter on a rescue mission in the deepest penetration by helicopter into enemy-held Korean territory up to that date. Taking off from a forward island base during pre-dawn darkness, Captain Westerman flew to a point off the enemy’s coast line where he encountered intense ground fire. He then orbited until dawn, before proceeding into the target area. With utter disregard for his personal safety, and with grim determination to locate the downed airman, Captain Westerman began his search, remaining in enemy territory under intense ground fire for a period of one hour and fifteen minutes at altitudes ranging from fifty to seven hundred feet, in an area only twenty-six miles from the enemy’s Yalu River airfield complex. Although he was unsuccessful in locating the downed pilot, Captain Westerman’s determined attempt at great risk to his life was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.