The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) William P. Vanden Dries (ASN: 0-811158), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 815th Bombardment Squadron, 483d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 18 July 1944 Lieutenant Vanden Dries participated in a bombing mission against a vitally important enemy airdrome in Germany. In the target area his formation was aggressively attacked by approximately two hundred (200) enemy fighters and in the ensuing engagement his aircraft was severely damaged and set on fire and Lieutenant Vanden Dries was wounded in the hand and leg. Despite intense pain and personal danger Lieutenant Vanden Dries remained at the controls and kept his aircraft in level flight. With superlative courage and outstanding professional skill he attempted to save his aircraft, but the full force of the overwhelming enemy attack was too great, and with flames menacing the entire plane, he was forced to signal his crew to leave the aircraft. Although flames in the cockpit inflicted serious burns on his legs, Lieutenant Vanden Dries remained at the controls long enough to place his aircraft on automatic flight control and then, despite the seriousness of his own wounds, he went to the assistance of two (2) wounded crewmembers, helping them both with their parachutes and aided them out of the aircraft. Only when assured that all his crew had safely cleared the plane did Lieutenant Vanden Dries bail out. By his conspicuous courage, determination and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Vanden Dries has reflected great credit upon himself and in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.