The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Hyrum Watkins Kershaw (ASN: 0-769625), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane with the TWELFTH Air Force. On 29 April 1945, Lieutenant Kershaw led a four plane flight on an armed reconnaissance mission over enemy positions in northern Italy, skillfully maneuvering on instruments through an almost solid overcast. Upon the approach to the target area, Lieutenant Kershaw sighted an active enemy airdrome near Aviano. Immediately driving through a heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire which disabled two guns and heavily damaged his airplane, Lieutenant Kershaw destroyed two enemy planes and probably another. Despite the crippled condition of his aircraft, Lieutenant Kershaw quickly reformed his flight and in the face of continued strong resistance which further damaged his P-47 and nearly rocked it from control, repeatedly strafed several motor convoys, destroying or damaging a number of vehicles and inflicting casualties upon personnel before exhaustion of ammunition forced him to break off and turn homeward. Determinedly holding the shattered plane airborne to base, Lieutenant Kershaw effected a perfect emergency landing. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Kershaw, 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.