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) Dean E. Lear (ASN: 0-726268), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 513th Bombardment Squadron, 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in action while participating in operations against the Ploesti Oil Refineries of Roumania on 1 August 1943. Lieutenant Lear, Pilot of a B-24 Heavy bombardment aircraft, displayed exceptional gallantry during this, one of the most daring and spectacular raids of the present World War. His airplane was one of a formation which struck with great force at the major fuel source of the Axis, leaving it in blazing ruins. This feat was accomplished after one of the longest flights ever made through enemy territory by a mass bomber formation, and after penetrating the most heavily fortified area in Europe. Flying through a veritable hail of enemy gunfire, Lieutenant Lear, showing extraordinary courage and skill, entered the target area at minimum altitude, and dropped his bombs, thereby contributing vitally to the destruction of this essential enemy target. Lieutenant Lear’s accomplishment stands as a brilliant addition to the record of achievement of the United States Army Air Forces.