Zane S. Amell

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Zane S. Amell, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Flight Leader of four F-86 type aircraft, 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 11 March 1952. Assigned the mission of protecting fighter bombers, Major Amell and his wingman continued a patrol alone after two aircraft in his flight aborted. Sighting a formation of eight MIG-15 type aircraft letting down for a pass at the fighter bombers, Major Amell immediately attacked, although outnumbered four to one, and destroyed one of the attackers. With his ammunition expended, he then positioned his wingman to continue the attack. His wingman expended his ammunition completely in damaging one of the MIG-15s. Without ammunition, and low on fuel, they were withdrawing when they sighted another formation of six MIG-15s. Major Amell unhesitatingly turned into them as if to attack, and with daring maneuvers, caused the enemy to break up and withdraw without a shot being fired. Through his selfless courage, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Amell reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.