(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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard F. Kates (ASN: 0-437947), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 371st Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on or about 3 October 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Kates, 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.