The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John H. Posten (ASN: 0-406333), United States Army Air Forces, for singularly a meritorious act of essential services while serving as a Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, Far East Air Force, in action over Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, on 30 July 1942. This officer was flight leader of several P-40 type aircraft which participated in a mission to intercept enemy planes that were attacking Darwin. Lieutenant Posten gallantly led his flight in an attack against the Zeroes, and in the ensuing fight, he shot down one in flames. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Posten, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) John H. Posten (ASN: 0-406333), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, Far East Air Force, in action in the vicinity of Algoma Bay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on the night of 1 – 2 February 1942. When report of an attempted enemy landing force was received, Lieutenant Posten took off individually for the area of the reported landing attempt, and proceeded to bomb and heavily strafe, returning to his base to replenish his ammunition supply after each attack. The skill and determination of Lieutenant Posten may be attested by the success of the attack. Several enemy landing barges were destroyed, and so many casualties inflicted that the landing attempt was repulsed. Furthermore, all airplanes and pilots returned to safety to their bases after completion of the mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Posten, 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.