The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Frankie R. Scariana (ASN: 0-726688), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Airacobra Fighter Airplane of the 350th Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in support of the 1st Armored Division. On 24 February 1943, Second Lieutenant Scariana distinguished himself in action against an armed enemy in North Africa. In the face of hostile air attack and heavy ground fire he dropped a message to trapped ground troops directing their escape attempt. This action resulted in the release of approximately 450 men and officers. The courage, bravery and complete disregard of personal welfare displayed by Lieutenant Scariana are deserving of the highest praise and reflect the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.