(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Thomas N. Aiken, United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action as an Aircrewman in Air Group NINE, embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX, over Rabaul, New Britain, and Bougainville, on 11 November 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.