The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), [then Captain and Major] Clinton Field Ball (ASN: 0-23945), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while participating in an unusually large number of heavy bombardment operations while serving as Command Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Executive Officer of the 351st Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force over Continental Europe from 9 May 1943 to 26 March 1945. During this period, Colonel Ball displayed combat skill, aggressiveness, and courage to a degree that proved inspirational to all who served with him. On the mission to Schweinfurt, 17 August 1943, Colonel Ball maintained stringent air discipline to maneuver his formation through unprecedented enemy opposition with the loss of only one aircraft. Leading the 1st Air Division to Germany, 26 March 1945, adverse weather was encountered which would have caused a less determined leader to return to base. Undaunted, he overcame almost insurmountable handicaps to bomb a vital enemy installation. His peerless leadership, tenacity, and devotion to duty in executing each assignment without stint or regard for personal danger reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.