The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Sam L. Barr (ASN: 0-791275), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 349th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in action over Continental Europe, from 25 June 1943 to 13 January 1945. Colonel Barr participated in the first mission flown by his Group and since then has completed an unusually large number of hazardous heavy bombardment operations. Many of these operations were carried out during the early stages of the Air Offensive, Europe, when the bombers were often attacked by enemy fighters all the way to and during withdrawal from the target. On each of these occasions Colonel Barr inspired his fellow crew members to new heights by his brilliant leadership and indomitable fighting spirit. He participated in raids against some of the most heavily fortified installations in Germany, performing his duties with a high degree of professional skill. Colonel Barr’s unyielding loyalty, dauntless courage, and tenacity of purpose throughout this entire period have earned for him the respect and admiration of all personnel in his unit.