The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Wayne H. Akers (ASN: 37228692), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Engineer and Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 447th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 8th Air Force, on a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe, 31 December 1943. On leaving the target area, Technical Sergeant Akers’ aircraft was fiercely attached by a large number of enemy fighters. Manning his guns with courage and great skill, Sergeant Akers destroyed one of the attacking planes. Though wounded during the running battle which followed, Sergeant Akers, with blood streaming down his face and thus partly obscuring his vision, remained at his guns and continued to fight off the determined attacks by the enemy. The gallantry, skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Akers were an inspiration to the entire crew. His actions reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States .