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 Chester N. Keller (AFSN: AO-767561), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action over enemy-held Korea as Pilot of a B-26 Invader Attack Bomber of the 730th Bombardment Squadron, 452d Bombardment Group (L), FIFTH Air Force, in Korea, on 16 February 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Keller flew under hazardous weather conditions to reach the target area of enemy troops and installations. Heavy ground fire damaged the right wing and tail section of his aircraft on the first rocket sweep over the target area. On the second pass, Lieutenant Keller received a severe head wound when his aircraft was riddled by enemy ground fire, but he refused to leave the area until he had obtained optimum results from his armament load. He personally destroyed one heavy anti-aircraft gun position, two automatic weapons positions and an estimated 200 enemy troops. Lieutenant Keller accomplished this despite persistent anti-aircraft fire, extensive damage to his B-26 and the pain from his wound. During the fourth attack, Lieutenant Keller’s aircraft received a direct hit in the left engine which burst into flames and fell off completely due to intense heat and vibration. His technical skill and outstanding airmanship enabled him to control the aircraft long enough to reach friendly territory and make a successful crash-landing. The courage, relentless determination and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Keller reflected great credit upon himself, the FIFTH Air Force, and the United States Air Force.