(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Staff Sergeant Walter Davis Burgess (ASN: 35357320), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 71st Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in over Rabaul, New Guinea, on 2 November 1943. Staff Sergeant Burgess’ bomber dove at a Japanese cruiser, after blasting an enemy destroyer out of the water. His plane crashed just short of the target. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Burgess, 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.