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) James G. Althouse (ASN: 0-1284077), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 723d Bombardment Squadron, 450th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Romania, on 31 May 1944. This gallant crew of B-24 type aircraft participated in a bombing mission against a vital and heavily defended enemy oil installation in Romania. Despite intense, heavy, and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fir which severely damaged their aircraft forcing them to drop from the formation, they skillfully maneuvered their crippled plane through the enemy fire for a highly successful bombing run, inflicting grave damage to vital enemy installations and supplies. Turning from the target their aircraft was aggressively attacked by 12 enemy fighters and in the ensuing engagement, the navigator and ball turret gunner were killed and six crew members, including the pilot, were seriously wounded. Despite the crippled condition of their aircraft, the entire crew gallantly manned their positions in an attempt to bring their ship through to base. Through their outstanding courage and teamwork they were enable to destroy two of the attacking hostile shops. Forced to abandon their stricken ship, the living parachuted safely to enemy territory, where hey were captured and subsequently returned to Allied control. By their conspicuous gallantry, coordination, and devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout their brilliant combat careers, these men have reflected great credit upon themselves and the armed forces of the United States of America. Army Air Forces.