KEITH K. COMPTON, Colonel, Headquarters, 376th Bombardment Group. For distinguished service, extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action in operations against the Ploesti Oil Refineries of Roumania. Colonel Compton flew the lead airplane of the entire force of American heavy bombardement aircraft that attacked Ploesti on 1 August, 1943. In this operation, one of the longest mass bombing flights and one of the most daring low-level attacks in aviation history, Colonel Compton cooly and courageously maneuvered his force at tree-top level and in the face of blazing anti-aircraft fire and balloon barrages to a position from which it could bomb the target successfully. Colonel Compton’s action in this perilous situation was one of utmost heroism and superb airmanship, and by it he has brought international credit to the United States Army Air Force.

LTG Compton resided in Texas.