Anthony J. Katauski

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 Anthony J. Katauski, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Fifth Air Force, on 6 August 1952. On that date, Captain Katauski flew an unarmed RF-80 photographic reconnaissance aircraft to Pyongyang, North Korea, and initiated a series of photographic runs on the city. Although forced to withdraw because of flight of enemy fighters in the area, Captain Katauski courageously returned to complete his mission, and was attacked without warning by four MIG-15 aircraft. Although his aircraft suffered major damage, Captain Katauski demonstrated superior skill and airmanship in eluding the enemy fighters, and returned safely home with vital intelligence photography which was used to excellent advantage for bomb damage assessment purposes. By his gallantry in the face of the enemy and exemplary devotion to duty, Captain Katauski reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.