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) Aubrey Kenneth Dodson, 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 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy), TENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, in 1944. Colonel Dodson successfully led a flight of B-24 Bombers across Burma to bomb the strategic Burma-Siam railway in Burma. Flying at a critically low altitude over water and mountain terrain, opposed by intense enemy ground fire from flak cars and other gun positions, he exhibited exceptional and conspicuous gallantry in leading his flight through these obstacles to inflict great damage on a strongly defended target. The very successful results of this mission contributed materially to the defense of India by Allied Military forces. His outstanding leadership and determination to carry through against these almost insurmountable difficulties was an inspiration to all participating in this mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Dodson, 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.