The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Jack R. Swartout (ASN: 0-728936), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action, while serving as Air Commander of a Group of B-17 Flying Fortress Bombers of the 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombardment mission over Germany, 6 March 1944. For approximately two hours, his group was the focal point of concentrated attacks by enemy fighter and during this aerial battle against great odds, suffered serious losses. In the early stages of the battle, an enemy fighter collided with Captain Swartout’s plane, shearing off a large portion of the vertical stabilizer. As soon as he regained control of his aircraft, he continued on towards the target, making every effort to join another unit. A large number of enemy fighters, seeing his plane out of formation, pressed their attacks savagely. Though wounded by an exploding cannon shell and with his plane heavily damaged, Captain Swartout valiantly fought on and finally succeeded in joining another group. Still subject to constant attack, he continued on to the target and successfully bombed it. When the loss of his aircraft seemed inevitable during the withdrawal from the target, Captain Swartout refused to give the order to bail out and brought his plane and crew back to England, making a landing at a friendly airbase. The gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Swartout set an inspiring example for his fellow flyers. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Swartout, 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.