(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 (Air Corps) Melvin E. Neef (ASN: 0-438441), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations during the low-level bombing mission against the Oil Refineries at Ploesti, Romania, on 1 August 1943. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, he flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Neef, 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.