(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 Willie F. Free (ASN: 14138218), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Flight Engineer of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber with the 500th Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations on a bombing mission over Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea without a fighter escort, on 18 October 1943. Over the target his bomber attacked a 6,000-ton ship which is believed to have sunk. While returning to base they were attacked by Japanese enemy fighters, and shot down as many as five enemy aircraft before they were forced to ditch at sea in St. George’s Channel. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Free, 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.