The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Allen S. Bufkin (AFSN: AO-765924), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a Pilot of a B-26 Invader Attack Bomber of the 452d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, on 7 May 1951. The mission was to attack troop and supply concentrations in the Kumch’on area, followed by an armed reconnaissance over an enemy supply route. The troops and supplies were attacked with excellent results. On the road reconnaissance the lead aircraft was hit badly by enemy ground fire, requiring crew members to bail out over the Sinmak area. Lieutenant Bufkin immediately organized air cover for the downed crewmen and called for rescue aircraft. Since the area was heavily infested with enemy troops, immediate capture of the crewmen appeared inevitable. Lieutenant Bufkin strafed the area around the downed airmen and drove the enemy back. Heavy, intense ground fire was encountered on the strafing runs and critical battle damage was sustained by his aircraft. Undaunted, Lieutenant Bufkin continued to strafe the area for two hours and forty-five minutes, killing some eighty enemy troops and accomplished successful rescue of the crew. Through his courage, skill and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Bufkin reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.