The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Clarence S. Irvine (ASN: 0-16630), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry In action against the enemy during the months of September and October 1943, while on temporary duty with the TWELFTH Air Force, where he voluntarily participated in combat missions in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. On 1 October 1943, Colonel Irvine, as pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber, participated in a bombing mission against the experimental factories of the Messerschmidt Plat at Augsburg, Germany. Taking off from his base in Tunis, Colonel Irvine faced extreme hazards during the entire course of the flight. Over Florence and the Brenner Pass his plane was subjected to intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. In the flight over the Alps, severe icing conditions were encountered at 23,000 feet. Despite these impediments, and with exceptional courage and determination, Colonel Irvine pressed on to his target. In the target area enemy aircraft shot out an engine and intense anti-aircraft fire inflicted further damage to his plane and wounded the navigator. Nevertheless, with imperturbable courage in the face of intense enemy action, Colonel Irvine released his bombs on the war plane with devastating effect. Because of the extensive damage to his plane, Colonel Irving had to make a forced landing at Sardinia, taken only the day before from the Germans. Previously, on 30 September 1943, Colonel Irving displayed unusual valor and gallantry as a pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber on a reconnaissance mission from Taranto to Bari, Foggia and Salerno in Italy, Despite the fact that his aircraft was attacked by a force of strong enemy fighters, which he successfully evaded, and that his aircraft was subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire between Salerno and Foggia, Colonel Irvine completed his mission and returned to his base with vital military information. His intrepidity, courage, and disregard for his own safety was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.