The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Brooke Empie Allen (ASN: 0-20465), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, while leading an aerial flight on 16 December 1942, over Munda Point, New Georgia, Solomon Islands. As strike commander, Colonel Allen led a formation of six B-17 airplanes to the target where, as a result of coordinated and accurate bombing runs, all bombs fell in the target area. Immediately upon withdrawal, the formation was attacked by approximately sixteen enemy land-based fighters. On the first pass by the fighters an engine of the number three wingman was disabled. Colonel Allen gave the command for number five wingman to stay with the crippled airplane for protection, and saw that every effort was made to get the disabled bomber back in formation. This necessitated a number of 360 degree turns and a constant loss of altitude, both of which contributed to the enemy’s advantage and prolonged their attack. In the subsequent action number three wingman’s airplane was further disabled and a crash water landing was necessary. The alertness of the strike commander in directing the progress of the flight was evidenced by the resultant action in which four enemy fighters were shot down. All the airplanes of Colonel Allen’s formation returned safely to their base, save the disabled one, whose crew were later picked up by a PBY. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Allen, 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.