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) Mack V. Bunderson (ASN: 0-663015), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Fighter Pilot with the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy over the Solomon Islands as leader of an element of two fighter airplanes escorting heavy bombers on a mission to destroy enemy installations on 3 September 1943. During an interception by enemy fighter airplanes he responded to a signal for help from a disabled bomber. Having lost contact with his wingman First Lieutenant Bunderson, alone, attacked a flight of five Zeros which wee firing on the bomber. He so successfully dispersed them that the bomber returned safely to its base. Lieutenant Bunderson, severely injured during the engagement, was in a semi-conscious condition when he landed at an advanced base. His coolness under fire and his superior flying ability marked his courageous actions as exemplary of the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.