(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Kenneth O’Reilly Dessert (ASN: 0-23730), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 408th Bombardment Squadron, 93d Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations during the low-level bombing mission against the Oil Refineries at Ploesti, Romania, on 1 August 1943. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, he flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Dessert, 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.