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) Paul Kendall Carlton, Sr. (ASN: 0-789133), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while piloting a B-29 aircraft of the XX Bomber Command, TWENTIETH Air Force, on a combat mission against enemy installations at Mukden, Manchuria, on 21 December 1944. The B-29 air craft piloted by Captain Carlton had just started its bombing run when it was struck by a heavy caliber anti-aircraft shell. As a result of the anti-aircraft shell, Captain Carlton’s aircraft sustained extensive damage. In spite of the damage, Captain Carlton continued his bombing run and dropped his bombs on the target. Immediately after the bomb run, Captain Carlton’s aircraft was subjected once again to severe and savage attacks by enemy aircraft and his aircraft sustained damage to instruments, oxygen supply and other vital parts of the aircraft. Disregarding the danger of fire as a result of gasoline flooding the bomb bay, and the hazards of flying at high altitude without oxygen, Captain Carlton, by courageous and gallant action and skillful piloting, maintained his aircraft in flight until he succeeded in landing in friendly territory. Captain Carlton’s actions saved his crew from disaster and his aircraft from destruction, all in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces and reflecting great credit on himself and the XX Bomber Command.