The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) George W. Bailey (ASN: 0-2074313), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action over Germany while serving as Navigator of a Flying Fortress of the EIGHTH Air Force, on 7 March 1945. Shortly after the initial point turn, intense and accurate flak damaged his aircraft and severely wounded Lieutenant Bailey. Quickly placing a tourniquet around his injured leg, he continued his navigational duties without making known to the pilot his condition. Unable to bomb the primary target due to heavy clouds, Lieutenant Bailey directed the pilot to another target, refusing medical aid when a check of the crew disclosed he was wounded. After bombs away and the battered aircraft was forced to leave the formation, Lieutenant Bailey, although suffering untold pain, remained at his position and skillfully plotted the return course through adverse weather. Lieutenant Bailey’s fortitude and unselfish devotion to duty served as an inspiration to his fellow crewmen and were largely responsible for the safe return of the aircraft. The courage, flying skill, and unyielding fighting spirit displayed by Lieutenant Bailey are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army Air Forces.