(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 Major (Air Corps) Leonard J. Barnes (ASN: 0-737932), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 576th Bombardment Squadron, 392d Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, on or about 22 March 1945. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.