The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Louis Thomas Silva (ASN: R-45343), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 9th Bombardment Squadron, 7th Bombardment Group (H), TENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 17 January 1942, against enemy targets in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. Master Sergeant Silva, Line Chief of his bombardment squadron, insisted, because of a lack of experienced gunners, on accompanying his Squadron Commander on his first mission immediately after arrival in the combat area. On this mission of 17 January 1942, Master Sergeant Silva operated a side gun on the leading B-17 piloted by Major C.F. Necrason, in an attack against hostile shipping of Menado, Netherlands East Indies. Fifteen enemy pursuit planes attacked the formation and made numerous assaults from all directions for a period of forty minutes. During this prolonged period of fire from the enemy, Sergeant Silva distinguished himself by coolly operating his gun, reloading with several ammunition boxes, and destroying at least three enemy pursuit planes. Many projectiles from enemy guns passed through the airplane during the attack. During the engagement Master Sergeant Silva assisted in the removal of the tail gunner, Private Arid B. Hegdahl, to the forward part of the airplane after Hegdahl had been seriously wounded by an explosive bullet, which broke his right leg. This courage, coolness, and devotion to duty sets an example from which younger men cannot fail to receive an inspiration.