The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant William E. Hobbs (ASN: 37236702), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 336th Bombardment Squadron, 95th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, in action on a heavy bombardment mission to Brunswick, Germany, on 11 January 1944. He was seriously wounded in both arms early in the action. Although suffering great pain and becoming weak from loss of blood, he continued firing at the enemy fighters, destroyed one enemy aircraft (ME 100), which was confirmed by the radio operator, warded off many enemy attacks, and continued firing the tail guns until the pilot gave the order to “bail out.” The outstanding courage and determination to destroy the enemy displayed by Sergeant Hobbs on this occasion reflect the highest credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.