The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Joe M. Larkin, Jr. (ASN: 0-404025), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Bomber of the ELEVENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Territory of Alaska, on 5 January 1943. Assigned to intercept a loaded Japanese cargo vessel headed toward Kiska, Captain Larkin led his flight of bombers through instrument weather conditions and located the enemy ship. Thereupon he led his flight through anti-aircraft fire from the ship and attacked so successfully that the target was observed to sink thirty-one minutes later. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain (Air Corps Larkin, 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.