(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Garth B. Cottam (ASN: 0-428912), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Airacobra Fighter Airplane in the 40th Pursuit Squadron, 35th Pursuit Group, Far East Air Force, in aerial operations over Buna Bay, New Guinea, on 23 July 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Cottam, 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.