The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Uzal Girard Ent, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, IX Bomber Command, NINTH Air Force. During the period 17 March 1943 to 1 August 1943, General Ent has most successfully launched the units under his command in destructive blows against vital Axis targets located in Sicily, Italy, Greece and Rumania. These assaults upon enemy shipping and strategic targets located throughout the Mediterranean and along the southern shores of Europe materially contributed to the success of our own and Allied ground forces operating in North Africa and Sicily. This has been accomplished in a large part through this officer’s skillful and detailed planning, coordination of administrative and materiel matters and his wide and intimate knowledge of the strategic employment of heavy bombardment as best exemplified by the successful raid on Rome on 19 July 1943, and the devastating low level attack against the oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania, on 1 August 1943. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ent and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.