The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Jack H. Botts (ASN: 19002256), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as an Aerial Gunner of an A-20 Havoc Bomber in the Northwest African Strategic Air Force, in aerial operations in the North African Theater of Operations, on 30 March 1943. Sergeant Botts participated in a bombing raid on the La Fauconnerie Airdrome. Heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered over the target, severely damaging the plane and wounding Sergeant Botts in the face. As the plane left formation he was further wounded in both arms and one leg by fire from an enemy fighter plane. Forced down to an emergency landing, the aircraft was sent into flames by intense enemy fire, and the bombardier was trapped in the nose of the burning plane. Sergeant Botts disregarded continued enemy strafing and his own painful wounds to extricate the helpless officer. His heroism and devotion to duty, 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.