The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Frank Leon Gaunt (ASN: 0-725144), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action over the Solomon Islands, on 15 July 1943. While leading a flight of P-40s engaged in combat with a numerically superior force of enemy aircraft, Captain Gaunt personally shot down three Japanese Zeros and assisted in successfully dispersing the others. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Gaunt, 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.