(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant John V. Hall (ASN: 6710161), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 14th Reconnaissance Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 14 February 1942. On that date his bomber was on a mission to attack enemy shipping in Rabul’s Simpson Harbor in New Guinea. After the plane departed from Townsville, Australia, shortly after midnight, it arrived over the Japanese base of Rabaul, on the northeastern portion of New Britain at daybreak in the midst of heavy anti-aircraft fire. Although one bombing run was made over the ships in the harbor, faulty racks prevented the release of the bombs. Despite the sight of pursuing enemy aircraft, the pilot made another run over the target which resulted in the release of all but two of the 600-pound bombs. As the ship was leaving the target area, it was attacked by eight zero fighters. Technical Sergeant Hall immediately manned his guns and shot down one enemy bomber. After the enemy withdrew from the 30-minute engagement and a fuel shortage forced the pilot to land in the swamps of New Guinea, survived a prolonged ordeal for five weeks, while they endured hunger, thirst, and malaria, as they worked their way back to their unit. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Hall, 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.