The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), [then Staff Sergeant] Marshall C. Wells (ASN: 19018417), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Co-Pilot in an unescorted, gasoline-loaded airplane of the TWELFTH Air Force, in action near Tamet, Tripolitania, on 19 December 1942. Lieutenant Wells’ aircraft was set afire by direct hits, the pilot was killed, and the radio operator, crew chief and Lieutenant Wells himself were wounded. Displaying extraordinary self-possession and flying skill, he regained control of the unstable aircraft and after successfully crash-landing behind enemy lines, extricated the radio operator and in spite of enemy gun fire and the fact that an explosion was imminent, courageously returned to the burning plane and assisted the wounded crew chief to safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Wells, 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.