The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Finis G. Schell (ASN: 0-765530), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 379th Bombardment Squadron, 310th Bombardment Group (Medium), TWELFTH Air Force. On 11 November 1944, Lieutenant Schell flew in an attack upon a railroad bridge at Casale Monferrato, Italy. Upon commencement of the bomb run, shell fragments from accurate anti-aircraft fire seriously wounded Lieutenant Schell in the neck and destroyed the bomb release mechanism on his aircraft. Although bleeding profusely and suffering intense pain, Lieutenant Schell courageously remained at his position in a futile effort to salvo the bombs. When all other attempts to effect the release of the bombs failed, Lieutenant Schell selflessly removed his parachute and lowered himself into the bomb bay. With another crew member holding him suspended by his legs, Lieutenant Schell, with the aid of a crash axe, pried loose the four 1,000-pound bombs and they fell harmlessly from the airplane. His gallant devotion to duty and outstanding proficiency in combat reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.