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 (Air Corps) Melvin B. Kimball (ASN: 431296), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the FOURTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, in 1942 and 1943. In the early morning hours as eight enemy fighter planes approached the airdrome, Lieutenant Kimball took off to intercept the formation. His plane at this time was undergoing repairs and was not in combat condition. Interception was made. During the first pass at two of the enemy, only four of his guns were firing. The pilot, in spite of the defective armament on his ship, again maneuvered into position and attacked two more planes. Fire was delivered on one of the two enemy ships, probably destroying it. At this point the propeller on Lieutenant Kimball’s ship went out, forcing him to retire. The enemy evidently thought that this retirement was a lure, and turned from its objective. Two valuable reconnaissance aircraft were on the airdrome during this attack and were probably saved from a strafing attack by this daring interception. This gallant act against superior numbers with defective equipment is an inspiration to members of this command and is representative of the high traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.