The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Jasper E. Hargrove (ASN: 0-799980), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the EIGHTH Air Force over occupied Europe, on 16 April 1945. After escorting bombers to the target, Captain Hargrove led his Flight in a strafing attack on an enemy airdrome. He had destroyed two aircraft and damaged another when a 7.9-mm. bullet passed through his leg, leaving a gaping hole. Unsuccessful in his attempt to staunch the flow of blood with a tourniquet, Captain Hargrove covered the wound tightly with his hand and took a heading for an emergency airfield. Although suffering untold pain and weak from the loss of blood, he passed over terrain suitable for a crash landing and continued on his course. Determined to save his aircraft at any cost, he reached the airstrip after flying for over an hour. Barely able to sit erect, he managed by sheer will power to accomplish a safe landing before lapsing into unconsciousness. The courage, flying skill, and unyielding fighting spirit displayed by Captain Hargrove are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army Air Forces.