(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 Emil Frank Vanek (ASN: 17030755), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Turret Gunner of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 531st Bombardment Squadron, 380th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over the Netherlands East Indies, on 11 June 1943. This flight had encountered heavy flak en route to the target, and his own plane was severely damaged. Only skillful flying and his tenacious will to perform what he considered important enabled the crew get their bombs on the target. On the way back from the target area, and with a piece of phosphorous bomb burning a hole in a wing, the crippled bomber was attacked by Zeros and forced to make a water landing. As the crew left the aircraft amid a shower of bullets from Japanese attackers, the bomber exploded, engulfing the crew with it. No trace of any survivors was ever found. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Vanek, 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.