AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-7E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) George Martin Silverman, United States Navy for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron ONE NINETY-TWO embarked in USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-6 3.) . On 16 April 1972, Lieutenant (junior grade) Silverman was a wingman on a coordinated air wing strike against the naval base, shipping docks, and storage areas of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Skillfully maneuvering his aircraft to fire an anti-radiation missile and evade the many surface-to-air missiles fired at the strike group and despite damage to his aircraft from anti-aircraft fire, he maintained flight integrity and delivered his ordnance on target with devastating accuracy. Post-strike photography revealed heavy damage to all target areas which included eight large buildings destroyed and numerous fires burning. Lieutenant (junior grade) Silverman's courage, superb airmanship and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.