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| CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF
THE SILVER STAR (FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER) (POSTHUMOUS) TO JAMES E. PLEIMAN |
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| Airman First Class James E. Pleiman distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Thanh Hoi, North Vietnam on 14 March 1966. On that date, Airman Pleiman performed as a Pararescueman aboard an unarmed HU-16 aircraft which executed a hazardous open sea landing in the face of an oncoming fleet of twenty-five armed sampans and fierce opposition from nearby shore batteries and mortar emplacements to rescue two downed USAF pilots. Without regard for his personal safety, Airman Pleiman courageously carried out his duty in the face of overwhelming odds as he dove into the sea in the midst of exploding shells in an heroic attempt to rescue one of the downed airmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Pleiman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. |