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 Arthur S. Cooper (AFSN: AO-785761), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action on 6 December 1950. As Pilot of a B-26 Invader Attack Bomber and as deputy leader of a flight of B-26 Bomber Aircraft, Captain Cooper displayed outstanding flying skill and daring in pressing an attack against the heavily defended Kang Dong Air Strip in North Korea when other flights assigned to the same area failed to reach the target because of bad weather. Letting down under icing conditions through six thousand feet of overcast Captain Cooper’s aircraft broke out of the overcast only a few feet above the mountainous terrain with a heavy formation of ice on its wings. Despite poor visibility, Captain Cooper flew through a flak-infested valley until he located and attacked the target. During this attack, the aircraft’s main wing spar was demolished, the wing was partially wrenched from its seatings, several flight instruments were rendered useless, and gaping holes were made in the aircraft. In spite of this heavy battle damage, Captain Cooper continued attacking the enemy. As a result of his attacks, a large enemy ammunition dump was completely destroyed with a violent explosion which sent a maze of debris into the path of the low flying aircraft, four anti-aircraft positions were rendered ineffective and four supply buildings were burned. Only after expending the aircraft’s entire armament of napalm, rockets, incendiary bombs and fifty caliber ammunition did Captain Cooper leave the target area. Captain Cooper’s exceptional skill and gallant performance were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FIFTH Air Force, and the United States Air Force.