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) Randel L. Murphy, Jr. (ASN: 0-774275), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the EIGHTH Air Force during a strafing mission over Germany, 13 April 1945. Attacking Eggebek Airdrome, Lieutenant Murphy, with apparent disregard for intense and accurate ground fire, made fifteen passes over the field. Although his aircraft was hit and damaged in the early phase of the attack, he continued his devastating assault. Forced at times to fly by instruments due to the dense smoke from burning planes and installations, and not knowing at what moment his plane might develop a serious malfunction, Lieutenant Murphy remained cool and collected. Breaking off the attack only after expending the last of his ammunition, and destroying ten and damaging one aircraft on the ground, he accomplished a safe withdrawal. The courage, flying skill, and unyielding fighting spirit displayed by Lieutenant Murphy are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army Air Forces.