Richard D. Anderson

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 Richard D. Anderson, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot, 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 27 October 1951. Leading three flights of four F-51 type aircraft, Captain Anderson displayed outstanding leadership and flying skill in a successful bombing attack on a rail target at Kuni-Ri, Korea. Captain Anderson then led his flight in an attack with rockets and machine guns against the secondary target of supplies and troop billets at Youn-dong, Korea. When his number two man was hit by ground fire and forced to bail out, Captain Anderson maintained effective air cover despite battle damage to his aircraft, accurate ground fire, and insufficient fuel to guarantee safe return. As a result of his courageous actions the downed pilot was rescued within two hours and the mission accounted for the destruction of vital enemy supplies and transportation facilities. Through his high personal courage and superior airmanship, Captain Anderson reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.