The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) George McCandless, Jr. (ASN: 0-732643), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Bombardier of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations during the low-level bombing mission against the Oil Refineries at Ploesti, Romania, on 1 August 1943. During an attack on an enemy installation, Lieutenant McCandless was knocked off his feet by the blast of an anti-aircraft shell bursting directly in front of his plane. The blast shattered the nose section of the ship. In spite of severe shock, Lieutenant McCandless returned to his post and successfully bombed his assigned targets. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant McCandless, 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.