(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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard A. Van Tuyl (ASN: 0-518975), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 777th Bombardment Squadron, 464th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on or about 28 December 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Van Tuyl, 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.