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 [then Sergeant] Robert F. Mattice (ASN: 32745939), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action on 3 August 1944, as Ball Turret Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 511th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, on an operational mission over Germany. After the aircraft sustained severe damage from enemy anti-aircraft fire and the bail-out order was given, Sergeant Mattice, although wounded and with total disregard for his safety, delayed his exit in order to drag an unconscious fellow crew member from his position to the waist hatch, where he pulled the rip cord of his parachute and threw him out of the airplane. The aggressiveness, outstanding courage, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Mattice reflect great credit on himself and the Army of the United States.