James L. Savage

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James L. Savage, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as a Forward Air Controller, 6150th Tactical Control Squadron, 6147th Tactical Control Group, FIFTH Air Force. Lieutenant Savage was in charge of a Tactical Air Control Party attached to the III Republic of Korea Division. On 17 May 1951, Lieutenant Savage was directing close air support to a Republic of Korea Regiment when the Chinese Communists broke through on the left flank and blocked escape routes of this regiment. It was through the superior manner in which he performed his duties that escape routes were reopened, allowing an orderly withdrawal of friendly forces, and enabling them to contain the enemy spearhead in this vital sector. Because of his gallantry in action, many United Nations troops were spared from almost certain destruction. Lieutenant Savage’s knowledge of both aircraft performance and the communications equipment at his disposal, his wise judgment and courage inspired the personnel of the Division so that what might have been a complete and disastrous defeat turned into an important victory. The courage, initiative, and skill displayed by Lieutenant Savage reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.