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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John R. Wempe (ASN: 0-687653), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 368th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in combat in the European Theater of Operations, on 22 February 1944. Lieutenant Wempe was co-pilot of his airplane on a bombardment mission to Bernberg, Germany. After leaving the target, the airplane, which he was piloting at the time, was attacked by six enemy fighters. The airplane was raked with gunfire and Lieutenant Wempe was hit and wounded mortally. Despite his wounds and with the airplane badly damaged and in flames, Lieutenant Wempe manifested coolness, loyalty, and bravery in keeping the airplane under control to enable his crew to bail out. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Wempe, 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.