(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Ernest L. Pugh (ASN: 6947173), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as an Aerial Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Pugh, 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.