The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Henry W. Atchue (ASN: 6151012), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Side Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 403d Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Rabaul Harbor, New Britain, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 20 November 1942. On that date Private Atchue’s bomber dropped down over Rabaul for a look at the harbor when a flight of Zeroes was seen taking off from a nearby airdrome. Maneuvering the bomber into the clouds, they avoided contact and eluded 15 to 40 enemy Zeroes. Returning a long the coastline, they sighted a fresh flight of Zeros flushed from Buna. In the battle that followed Private Atchue assisted in shooting down one Japanese Zero in flames. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Atchue, 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.