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 (Air Corps), [then Second Lieutenant] Hubert Iver Egenes (ASN: 0-398687), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of the 40th Fighter Squadron, 35th Fighter Group, Far East Air Force, in action over Palembang, Sumatra, on 14 February 1942. Disregarding the combined efforts of eight Japanese Zeroes to halt him, Captain Egenes, pilot of a P-40 which was part of a flight of seven aircraft, completed his run against the enemy airdrome near Palembang before engaging the Zeroes. After completion of his run, during which his bombs blasted grounded planes and installations, he turned into the Zeroes and shot down one in flames. His expert piloting returned the P-40 safely over a 250-mile course to its home base. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Egenes, 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.