Ralph E. Banks

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 Ralph E. Banks, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-86 type aircraft, 336th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 10 March 1952. Leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft, Captain Banks was assigned the mission of protecting an unarmed RF-80 type aircraft photographing high priority targets along the Yalu River. When the RF-80 was attacked by approximately eighteen MIG-15s, Captain Banks exposed himself to concentrated fire from the MIGs in engaging the two leading attackers. Completely disregarding personal safety and displaying superior airmanship, Captain Banks destroyed these two aircraft in rapid succession. His extraordinary courage and brilliant tactical skill in the face of determined opposition resulted in the destruction of two MIG-15s, the dispersal of the remaining aircraft, and the successful completion of an extremely vital reconnaissance mission. Through his high personal courage and keen professional skill, Captain Banks reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.