The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Randall Denison Keator (ASN: 0-412276), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 20th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 8 December 1941, at Clark Field, Philippine Islands. During the Japanese attack on Clark Airfield, Philippine Islands on this date, Second Lieutenant Keator was one of three officers in a pursuit flight. When attacked by nine Japanese planes he quickly brought down of the first hostile planes in air combat in the Philippine Islands. He then immediately joined the general combat during which he and his comrades downed two more enemy planes. His example of unhesitating action against heavy odds served as a tremendous stimulus to others under the stress of the surprise hostile attack on the first day of the war. Second Lieutenant Keator’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.