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 [then First Lieutenant] Joseph W. Rogers (AFSN: AO-785887), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an F-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the Far East Air Forces, in action on 8 October 1950 while flying a combat mission in support of United Nations forces in the Myongad-dong area, Korea. Volunteering to aid British troops hemmed in by numerically superior enemy forces in that location, Captain Rogers led a formation of F-51 fighter aircraft to the target under a ragged 700 foot ceiling. Flying in and out of clouds, below the level of surrounding terrain and employing exceptional navigational and instrument flying ability, he performed a series of 360 degree turns to make repeated attacks. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire, he continued striking the enemy with napalm, rockets and 50 caliber machine gun fire with such remarkable success that the encircled United Nations troops were able to withdraw intact. The conspicuous gallantry displayed by Captain Rogers in the performance of an extremely hazardous mission was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.