The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles Petrakos (ASN: 11017052), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron (N), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Sergeant Petrakos was in the plane loading bombs when the attack started. He immediately volunteered his services as gunner and manned one of the guns on the plane and disabled another. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Petrakos, 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.