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 Willard G. Mattson (AFSN: AO-819568), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action on 28 January 1951 as Pilot of a B-26 Invader Attack Bomber of the 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, in action on a night attack mission against enemy forces located on high ground near Nongong-ni, Korea, overlooking a United Nations unit defending a position at the foot of the hill. Although intense concentrations of enemy anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire were directed at his B-26, Captain Mattson identified the enemy strong points and delivered repeated attacks with bombs, rockets, napalm, and machine gun fire until his entire armament was expended. As a result of these fearless attacks Captain Mattson destroyed an entire enemy battalion and its equipment, completely stopping the enemy’s advance on friendly positions and allowing United Nations forces to occupy the former enemy positions within a few hours. The superior airmanship, relentless determination and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mattson on this occasion were 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.