The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) William Milton Gross (AFSN: 663A/ASN: 0-19463), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy, while Commanding the 1st Combat Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, on a heavy bombardment mission over Germany, on 30 May 1944. As Air Commander of a Division of B-17 Flying Fortresses, Colonel Gross directed his units from his position in the leading aircraft of the formation. Skillfully avoiding en route areas known to contain heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft fire, he maintained a strong defensive formation and led the bombers to the assigned target. Approaching the target, the Division was subjected to savage assaults by enemy fighters and as the bombing run got under way the attacks became more determined. In spite of this fierce opposition, Colonel Gross led the formation on a bombing run which was outstandingly successful. The vast destruction wrought by the Division is largely attributable to the tenacity of purpose and combat leadership displayed by Colonel Gross, whose gallantry on this occasion inspired those under his command.