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) John Creg Alsup, Jr. (ASN: 0-665156), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with 387th Bombardment Squadron, 312th Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Clark Field, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 14 January 1945. Captain Alsup was the leader of a squadron of A-20 type aircraft which attacked this heavily-defended Japanese airfield in a group of bombers flying through intense antiaircraft fire. On the approach to the target his bomber was set on fire. Although the flames began to spread immediately, he continued his attack on three enemy airplanes about to leave the field. He dropped his bombs directly on the aircraft, destroying or damaging all three, but was unable to gain altitude and crashed to the ground, where he and his gunner were killed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Alsup, 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.