Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    58th Fighter-Bomber Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    March 30, 1953

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 315 (July 13, 1953)

    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 Robert William Jimmy Lee Shofner (AFSN: AO-2223709), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-84 type aircraft, 58th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force on 30 March 1953. Pre-briefed to perform a night reconnaissance mission in the heavily defended area of Sinanju, Korea, Lieutenant Shofner pressed a telling attack against a string of trucks and two locomotives heading North, while accomplishing numerous low-level strafing passes over hazardous terrain and in the face of intense ground fire. Though enemy aircraft were only five miles from his position, and though his aircraft had sustained major damage from the accurate ground fire, Lieutenant Shofner continued his attack until his ammunition had been expended. The results of this attack were one locomotive destroyed, and one locomotive and five boxcars damaged. Through his superior ability in successfully performing night intruder missions of which this was an excellent example, his exceptional airmanship and valor, Lieutenant Shofner reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.