LIEUTENANT GENERAL SANFORD K. MOATS (then Lieutenant). U.S. Strategic AF ETO. For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy, 1 January 1945, while leading an element in a twelve ship fighter squadron taking off on a patrol. On this date, as he became airborne, he observed fifteen hostile fighters with an additional fifteen as top cover coming in to strafe the field. Unhesitatingly, Lieutenant Moats attacked and in the furious combat that ensued over a wide spread area where he was subjected alternately to friendly and enemy flak, he destroyed four enemy aircraft. Returning with his plane damaged by flak and entirely without ammunition, Lieutenant Moats continued to fly around the airfield simulating aggressive attacks on hostile aircraft until all enemy planes had been dispersed. The extraordinary heroism and determination to destroy the enemy displayed by Lieutenant Moats on this occasion are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

General Moats resides in Hawaii.