The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Louis C. Stamatakos, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action on 28 February 1945, while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 332d Bombardment Squadron, 94th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in support of combat operations in Kassel, Germany. While participating in an aerial mission, Staff Sergeant Stamatakos risked his life by attempting to free an armed bomb caught in the bomb bay doors. Unable to land without detonating the bomb, he struck the unexploded munitions repeatedly with a fire axe to dislodge it. After several attempts, Staff Sergeant Stamatakos was able to free the bomb, allowing his crewmembers to return safely to England. Staff Sergeant Stamatakos’ bravery in action is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.