(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Robert Duane Knapp (ASN: 0-10707), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1943. Colonel Knapp led an attack on an enemy convoy after part of the formation had been forced back to its base by bad weather. His B-25’s bombed from 5,000 feet and sank one large merchant vessel. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Knapp, 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.




