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) Harold S. Wicklund (ASN: 0-789115), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of Headquarters, 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in operations against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Romania on 1 August 1943. On this date Captain Wicklund was serving as lead navigator of a large formation of B-24 aircraft which took part in this daring and devastating attack on one of the key industries of the Axis. Though bristling anti-aircraft defenses and strong fighter opposition, Captain Wicklund coolly and resolutely led his force to the target, where very extensive damage was done. His calm judgment and skillful navigation, his unwavering attention to the task, and his dogged determination to carry out the operation in spite of every conceivable obstacle, reflect great credit upon him and were instrumental in delivering one of the most crippling blows of the war against the Axis. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Wicklund, 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.