Stacey D. Naftel

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 Stacey D. Naftel, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy in June and July 1951, while participating in three aerial flights over enemy territory as Aircraft Commander of an RB-45. Captain Naftel was assigned the task of reconnoitering enemy installations located in areas strongly defended by anti-aircraft artillery and heavily protected by enemy jet fighters to procure intelligence material vital to the United States Air Force. The missions were largely planned by Captain Naftel. Unaided and unarmed, in the face of enemy air opposition he relentlessly pursued his objective. The directive under which he operated allowed him to exercise his own judgment on whether or not to continue the missions in the event of hostile interception. Captain Naftel refused to take advantage of the latitude provided and pursued each mission to a successful conclusion. The technical proficiency, exceptional courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Naftel were in keeping with the highest tradition of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.