(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Flight Officer Leslie D. Gilliland (ASN: T-186547), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 70th Bombardment Squadron, 42d Bombardment Group (Medium), Far East Air Forces, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on or about 28 January 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Flight Officer Gilliland, 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.