The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps] David William Hutchison (ASN: 0-18585), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding General of the, 808th Bombardment Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in New Guinea in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 16 September 1943. Colonel Hutchison flew alone behind the enemy’s lines near Kaipait, landing in a rough field of kuani grass. Returning that night, he relayed word to Headquarters that troop carrier planes could be landed on the same field and suggested immediate action to cut the Japanese off from the rear in their retreat from Nadzab. The next day he personally led a flight of troop carriers loaded with Australian troops into the area, enabling them to win a large expanse of the Markham valley. Colonel Hutchison’s foresightedness led to the capture of the inland New Guinea village of Kaipait. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Hutchison, 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.