(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Richard E. Sandlin (ASN: 39285439), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a serving as Bombardier of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber in the 874th Bomber Squadron, 498th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), TWENTIETH Air Force, in aerial operations during an attack against a heavily defended target at Tokyo, Japan, on 27 December 1944. On the approach to the target, a large force of enemy fighters intercepted the B-29 formation and seriously damaged his bomber by gunfire. The enemy fighters then concentrated their efforts against the crippled aircraft and despite the effective defensive fire delivered by the valiant gunners, three fighters deliberately rammed the bomber and damaged the controls to the extent that it became temporarily unmanageable. The signal was given to abandon the aircraft and those of the crew who were uninjured promptly bailed out. The bomber crashed into Tokyo bay with the loss of all members of the crew. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Sandlin, 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.