The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Aquilla Ballard Hughes, Jr. (ASN: 0-23297), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 341st Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force. Major Hughes demonstrated extraordinary skill, gallantry and leadership in action over enemy territory in North Africa during the period 12 January 1943 to 19 January 1943. During this period Major Hughes, as Squadron Commander and at great personal risk, led two high-altitude daylight bombardment missions, both resulting in heavy loss to the enemy. On both occasions Major Hughes’ skill as a pilot and ability as a flight leader enabled him to lead his flight over the target and to bomb successfully, important installations, despite intense barrages of enemy anti-aircraft fire. Thereafter, when subjected to constant and repeated attacks by enemy fighter planes, Major Hughes, as flight leader, employed skillful evasive action, keeping all the while a tight formation which provided a concentration of fire power. By his courage and coolness when subjected to intense barrages of anti-aircraft fire and to repeated attacks by enemy fighter planes, together with his superior leadership and marked ability as a pilot and flight leader, Major Hughes served the armed forces and his country gallantly and well; his deeds have furthered their aims and ideals. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Hughes, 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.