The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Flight Officer Richard Thomas Andrews (ASN: T-124915), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane, 86th Fighter Squadron, 82d Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 4 August 1944, Flight Officer Andrews participated in a P-38 strafing raid against enemy airdromes in Rumania. A fellow pilot with both engines disabled force-landed on a field deep in enemy territory. With a most exceptional display of gallantry, cool judgment, and flying skill, Flight Officer Andrews, at the greatest personal risk landed his own plane on the rough field alongside the wrecked P-38. By throwing out his own parachute, he barely made sufficient space in his cockpit for the stranded pilot. Jammed in the single-seat cockpit, both pilots took off successfully and flew the P-38 direct to the planned destination in Russia. The unprecedented heroism, initiative and flying ability demonstrated far beyond the call of duty by Flight Officer Andrews in this gallant rescue of his fellow pilot from inevitable capture have reflected the greatest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.