The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John H. Shaffer, Jr. (ASN: 13084678), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action, while serving as Left Waist Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 418th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over Germany, on 10 October 1943. Just after leaving the target areas a 20 mm cannon shell exploded in the waist section of the plane, severely wounding Sergeant Shaffer and knocking him down. Though suffering extreme pain, he immediately returned to his gun and continued to fight off vicious attacks by enemy planes. When his gun was partially disabled by enemy fire, Sergeant Shaffer quickly made temporary repairs, which enabled him to keep his gun in action. Only after the last attack had been beaten off did he receive emergency first-aid treatment. The gallantry, skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Shaffer materially aided in the safe return of his aircraft and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed forces of the United States.