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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Chester F. Strzalka (ASN: 0-808904), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action on 28 November 1944 while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Marauder Bomber of the 322d Bombardment Group (Medium), NINTH Air Force. While he was leading a formation in an attack against the town of Merken, Germany, Lieutenant Strzalka distinguished himself by outstanding courage and aerial proficiency in reaching the objective despite most adverse weather conditions. Because of poor visibility Lieutenant Strzalka elected to make a second bombing run in order to insure maximum effectiveness and as he was executing the second run his aircraft received a direct hit from anti-aircraft fire, severely damaging his aircraft and painfully wounding himself, He nevertheless immediately regained control of his aircraft and headed for friendly territory, salvoing his bombs on a target of opportunity enabling his crew safely to evacuate the aircraft. By his unusual leadership, gallantry and extraordinary airmanship his flight completed the second run for which success Lieutenant Strzalka was in large measure responsible.