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 the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) John H. Posten (ASN: 0-406333), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Airplane of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, Far East Air Force, in aerial operations over the Philippine Islands on 26 January 1942. While engaged in aerial combat over the Philippine Islands, Lieutenant Posten successfully shot down a Japanese dive bomber. 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.