(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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Edward John Czarnecki (ASN: 0-732179), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane in the 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Czarnecki, 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.