(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Luther Preston Smith, Jr. (ASN: 0-427778), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 90th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 25 May 1942. First Lieutenant Smith’s bomber was engaged in a mission against a Japanese airdrome at Lae, New Guinea. When approaching the target the plane was met by a large number of enemy planes, but in spite of this opposition the crew dropped its bombs on the target and inflicted heavy punishment on the attacking planes. His bomber was last seen on fire and losing altitude rapidly over enemy territory. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Smith, 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.