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) Harry Arthur Halverson (ASN: 0-11444), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action with the enemy while serving with the First Provisional Group (Heavy), Middle East Air Forces. On 12 June 1942, after a long and arduous flight to the initial point, he, through superior leadership and against enemy fighter opposition, successfully attacked with his formation of heavy bombardment airplanes a large refinery in the Rumanian oil fields. The attack was most destructive to enemy installations and so skillfully planned as to render enemy opposition entirely ineffective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Halverson, 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.