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) Ancel G. Taflinger (ASN: 0-797935), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the ** Liaison Squadron, in support of the 101st Airborne Division, on 25 December 1944. On that date, an urgent call was received for immediate surgical aid for seriously wounded men of the 101st Airborne Division defending the enemy-surrounded city of Bastogne, Belgium. Lieutenant Taflinger courageously volunteered for the hazardous mission of flying a medical officer of the ** Auxiliary Surgical Group into the besieged city in a liaison plane. By adroit maneuvering he evaded the heavy anti-aircraft fire encountered over the enemy-held territory and succeeded in making a landing at dusk in a small field outside the city. Later that night he returned safely to his base, again braving heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire. Lieutenant Taflinger’s outstanding heroism and his courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service of the United States.