(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 Colonel (Air Corps) John H. Hayden (ASN: 0-311882), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 20th Combat Bombe Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, on or about 22 December 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Hayden, 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.