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 John R. Browning (AFSN: 6616A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as navigator aboard a B-26 Invader Attack Bomber of the 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, assigned to a night intruder mission over enemy territory in Korea on 28 November 1950. While attacking enemy installations at low level near the Manchurian Border, Captain Browning’s aircraft was damaged so severely by anti-aircraft fire that it was unable to climb above the mountainous terrain to return to friendly territory. Captain Browning thereupon demonstrated extraordinary navigational skill in directing a course down narrow valleys and treacherous mountain passes in spite of darkness and falling snow. He accomplished this remarkable feat solely by means of dead reckoning, since the only available navigational aids were his maps and his compass. Captain Browning eventually directed the aircraft out of the mountainous area through a low pass, and set a heading for friendly territory. On the final approach to the air base at Taegu the airplane hit a small hill and burst into flames. Although semiconscious when taken from the burning wreckage Captain Browning and the pilot reentered the aircraft amid exploding machine gun ammunition and rescued the severely injured gunner. The performance of Captain Browning was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FIFTH Air Force, and the United States Air Force.