(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 Staff Sergeant Torsten W. Ahlbeck (ASN: 36342945), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a member of the aircrew of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy 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 Staff Sergeant Ahlbeck, 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.