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 Eldon B. Pickett (ASN: 18046539), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a member of the 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy), then serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the Hal Bombardment Squadron, 1st Provisional Bombardment Group (Heavy),U.S. Army Forces in the Middle East, in aerial operations in the North Africa Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Pickett, 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.