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) Chester Kenneth Maxwell (ASN: 0-821745), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 364th Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while escorting heavy bombers of the EIGHTH Air Force deep in Germany, 14 January 1945. Observing approximately fifty FW-190’s making a determined interception attack, Captain Maxwell signaled his Flight and launched a gold assault. Alone and with utter disregard for personal danger, he single-handedly dispersed the vastly superior force after destroying one enemy airplane. Unable to reform his flight immediately and seeing twelve hostile fighters closing in fast, Captain Maxwell, still alone, heroically frustrated this second assault and destroyed another FW-190. Continuing his vicious attack, he shot down yet a third enemy fighter before withdrawing and crash landing his now damaged aircraft in friendly territory. The courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Maxwell during this action were in a large measure responsible for the safety of the bomber formation. The courage, flying skill, and unyielding fighting spirit displayed by Captain Maxwell are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army Air Forces.