William D. Mulkins

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant William D. Mulkins, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy as Navigator of a B-26 attack bomber, 8th Bombardment Squadron (L-NI), 3d Bombardment Group (L) on 14 September 1951 over an area north of Wonsan, North Korea. On that date, Lieutenant Mulkins flew on a mission to develop highly specialized tactics in attacking enemy communications, troop concentrations, supply dumps and other targets. A call was heard requesting aid in attacking an enemy train which had been stopped. Lieutenant Mulkins skillfully furnished his pilot with the coordinates of their position which were relayed to another aircraft coming to their aid. The two aircraft made rendezvous in minimum time. Lieutenant Mulkins’ aircraft then made a low level pass over the train, illuminating it for the attack. On the pass, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and an explosion was observed. It then continued in straight flight for approximately two miles when it crashed into a mountainside. Lieutenant Mulkins’ accurate plotting of both positions of his aircraft and that of the target resulted in an excellent strike on vital cargo. As a result, a telling blow denied the enemy critically needed rolling stock, and contributed invaluably toward reducing his war potential. Lieutenant Mulkins’ skill and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.