(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 Staff Sergeant George M. Hardy, Jr. (ASN: 20221040), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Flight Engineer of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 500th Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, on 18 October 1943. Over the target his bomber attacked a 6,000 ton ship, which is believed to have sunk. While returning to base they were attacked by Japanese enemy fighters and one gunner noted that the B-25’s shot down 5 of the enemy fighters. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Hardy, 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.