(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) John E. Powell (ASN: 0-674243), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Navigator of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, detached to the 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), in aerial operations during the low-level bombing mission against the Oil Refineries at Ploesti, Romania, on 1 August 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Powell, 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.