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) Edward F. Veiluva (ASN: 0-682924), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 764th Bombardment Squadron, 461st Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations. On 26 June 1944, Lieutenant Veiluva participated in a bombing mission against a vitally important enemy oil center in Austria. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, together with persistent and aggressive attacks from enemy fighters, Lt. Veiluva skillfully maneuvered his aircraft through for a highly successful bombing run. Turning from the target, Lieutenant Veiluva observed a crippled bomber under attack by enemy fighters. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he immediately left the comparative safety of the protective formation and flew to the aid of the plane in distress. Through his added firepower, together with his skillful maneuvering of his aircraft, he successfully repulsed all subsequent fighter attacks, thus enabling the bombers to return to base without further damage. By his outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty as evidenced throughout over forty successful missions against the enemy, Lieutenant Veiluva has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.