The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Fred R. Murphy (ASN: 0-1182206), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 542d Field Artillery Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 7 April 1945 near Schweinfurt, Germany. Lieutenant Murphy was assigned the mission of checking the condition of bridges over the Main River. To accomplish this mission, it was necessary to fly behind the enemy lines over positions known to be heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns. At one point during the flight, eighteen 88-mm. guns opened fire simultaneously and the wings and fuselage of the airplane were punctured by fragments of shrapnel and the concussion tossed the plane violently in the air. With utter disregard for his safety, Lieutenant Murphy continued on his mission until he had determined the condition of each bridge. The vital information secured as a result of Lieutenant Murphy’s courage and devotion to duty were of material assistance in the tactical planning for the attack upon Schweinfurt.