David C. Mcdaniel

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 David C. McDaniel, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 10 October 1950, by rescuing in a helicopter an injured British Fighter pilot from his downed aircraft, deep in enemy territory north of Seoul, Korea. Landing under small arms fire with complete disregard for his own life and the vulnerability of his aircraft, Captain McDaniel kept the helicopter running, ready for immediate takeoff. The downed pilot, injured and unable to free himself, was pulled out of the wreckage by the para-doctor crew member. Captain McDaniel, upon noting the difficulty the para-doctor was experiencing, left his aircraft, and heedless of enemy fire directed at him, rushed to the injured man’s aid. Still under fire, Captain McDaniel and the para-doctor placed the critically injured pilot aboard the helicopter and flew him out of enemy territory to a hospital at Inchon. The courageous action and devotion to duty displayed by Captain McDaniel are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.