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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Theodore Thomas Vasatka (ASN: 0-660842), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a PBY Rescue Airplane of Headquarters Squadron, ELEVENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Territory of Alaska, on 30 December 1942. When a medium bomber had been shot down by enemy action two miles off Little Kiska Island, Lieutenant Vasatka proceeded without hesitation to attempt the rescue of the crew. With full knowledge that he was exposing himself to anti-aircraft fire and attack by enemy fighter planes, he held unflinchingly to his duty accomplishing a difficult landing and take-off while under attack by enemy aircraft. Lieutenant Vasatka’s plane was last seen in the air near Segula Island. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Vasatka, 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.