The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Claude Hollenbeck, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 546th Bombardment Squadron, 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in action on 23 March 1945, as toggleer of a B-17 type aircraft on an operational mission to Gladbeck, Germany. Although severely wounded by enemy flak en route to the target, Sergeant Hollenbeck remained at his station and successfully dropped his bombs on the target. The outstanding courage and steadfast devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hollenbeck reflect great credit on himself and the Army Air Forces.