Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 249 (April 3, 1944)
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) Frederick Rodgers Dent (ASN: 0-17504), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8th Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations in 1944. For five hours over enemy territory, Colonel Dent, flying in the leading aircraft, led the division with such skill that the integrity of the formation was maintained and its vulnerability to attack was minimized. Though intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered, he coolly maneuvered his units over the target and as a result, a small and well camouflaged installation was devastated. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Dent, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.