The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Prisoner of War Medal to Airman First Class Richard Darwin Abbott (AFSN: 12357185), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Engineer of a B-26 attack bomber on the night of 18 February 1952. While in their target area, a convoy of vehicles was sighted and a call was made for a flare ship. During the subsequent attack, Airman First Class Abbott ably assisted his pilot in monitoring the engines and instruments, thus allowing him to concentrate on his target. Repeated attacks were made against this convoy in the face of persistent enemy resistance until the aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. An attempt was made to return to their home base, but the aircraft soon was out of control. Airman First Class Abbott and the others of the crew were ordered to evacuate the aircraft by the pilot over enemy territory. Airman First Class Abbott’s superior crew coordination and courage under fire reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. great credit upon himself, his organization and the United States Air Force.