(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Air Corps) Jack Ball Rittmayer (ASN: 0-432009), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on or about 7 January 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Rittmayer, 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.