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 (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Jack J. Yelton (ASN: 0-746242), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations on 5 April 1944, near Hanover, Germany, where his airplane was hit by flak, destroying the instruments, shattering the canopy, and wounding him. Regaining consciousness at only 1,500 feet, he sighted an enemy fighter as he pulled out and, closing on the airplane, sent a burst of fire that caused it to explode and crash to the ground. Immediately, he saw another enemy airplane and, despite his rough engines sent it down in flames. After that, his engines stopped completely. Sighting a landing strip, he decided to crash land and, thrown clear of the crash, landed on the runway severely injured. Captain Yelton inflicted heavy losses and damage by his determination to carry the fight to the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Yelton, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.