(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain (Air Corps) Joseph John Kruzel (ASN: 0-401183), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional), 24th Pursuit Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Kruzel, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

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) Joseph John Kruzel (ASN: 0-401183), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane with the 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional), 24th Pursuit Group, Far East Air Force. On the morning of 1 March 1942, Captain Kruzel was engaged in a strafing mission on the Japanese landing forces at Membang, Java, when his engine sustained a direct hit from a large caliber shell. Despite this, and through the heavy anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home an attack on these anti-aircraft batteries, and strafed and sunk barges which were loaded with men and material. After he had exhausted his ammunition he piloted his plane back to the home base in spite of the severe damage that had been done to it by enemy fire. He was able to do this by sheer determination to complete a task no matter what obstacles were placed in the way. As a result of these gallant actions Captain Kruzel inflicted considerable damage on the enemy and was an inspiration to all of the men of the squadron.