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 Corporal Walter E. Stephanik (ASN: 12011049), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 42d Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over the Solomon Islands, on 24 August and on 15 October 1942. On 24 August 1942, Corporal Stephanik was one of the combat crew of the lead ship of a two-airplane flight attacking an enemy surface task force consisting of a carrier, two destroyers, and two cruisers. Despite heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire and the attack of seven Zero fighters, direct bomb hits were scored on the carrier and two Zeros were shot down by the crew. On 15 October, he was on a three-plane flight when the Americans sighted another task force of Japanese ships, consisting of four transports, four cruisers, and seven destroyers. A bombing run was made but as the bombs failed to release, a second run was necessitated, through very heavy anti-aircraft fire, and several attacks by 10 to 12 Zeros. Probably hits resulted on a transport, at least two Zeros were shot down. In that and subsequent missions, some 10 Zeroes were reported shot down by the same crew. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Stephanik, 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.