The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) John Koehler Gerhart (ASN: 0-17954), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while leading a Heavy Bombardment Division of the 93d Combat Bomb Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, on a mission over enemy-occupied Europe, on 16 September 1943. Colonel Gearhart directed the formation from his position in the leading aircraft. When the assigned target was found to be obscured by a heavy overcast, he quickly selected another objective of vital importance. Without the benefit of prior briefing, Colonel Gerhart led his formation through intense concentrations of anti-aircraft fire and successfully bombed the target, causing vast destruction. The gallantry, skill and leadership displayed by Colonel Gearhart on this occasion were an inspiration to all serving with him and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) John Koehler Gerhart (ASN: 0-17954), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action awhile leading a Combat Wing of B-17 Heavy Bombers of the 93d Combat Bomb Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over Germany, on 10 October 1943. After the fighter escort withdrew, the wing led by Colonel Gerhart was attacked by over 200 enemy planes. Despite the intensity of these attacks, which were pressed to suicidal range, he regrouped his units and led them to the assigned target. Under the inspiring leadership of Colonel Gerhart an installation of vast importance to the enemy’s war effort was dealt a devastating blow. The outstanding success achieved is in a large measure attributable to the tenacity of purpose and leadership in battle displayed by Colonel Gerhart. His gallantry on this occasion served as an inspiration to all units under his command.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) John Koehler Gerhart (ASN: 0-17954), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while leading a Combat Wing of B-17 Heavy Bombers of the 93d Combat Bomb Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over Germany, on 17 August 1943. En route to the target, the formation was subjected to persistent, savage assaults by a large force of enemy fighters. In spite of every effort of the enemy to scatter the bombers, Colonel Gerhart held a tight defensive formation and led his unit over the assigned target. Though intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered during the bombing run, vast devastation was wrought on an installation of vital importance to the enemy’s war effort. The gallantry, skill and leadership displayed by Colonel Gerhart reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.