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 Wilbur John Grumbles, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as Pilot of an F-80 Shooting Star Fighter-Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action on 24 May 1951. On that date, Colonel Grumbles led a flight of four F-80 aircraft deep within enemy-held territory to attack an enemy rear area supply dump. Leading his flight through below marginal weather, Colonel Grumbles pressed an attack upon a target which was known to be heavily defended. On the first pass his aircraft was damaged by intense anti-aircraft fire from small arms and 20 and 40 millimeter automatic weapons. Several direct hits tore a hole through the left flap approximately six inched in diameter and severely damaged the aft section. In spite of the intense enemy fire and heavy damage to his aircraft, Colonel Grumbles instructed his flight to stay clear while he made four more passes alone on the target. His attacks destroyed one POL dump and two trucks, damaged three more trucks, and left numerous fires burning in the stacks of supplies. Only after all ammunition and rockets had been expended, did Colonel Grumbles lead his flight back to friendly territory. The aggressiveness, courage and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Grumbles reflect great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.