The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) William N. Bateman (ASN: 0-700688), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 26 July 1944 while serving as Navigator of a B-26 Marauder Bomber of the 322d Bombardment Group (Medium), NINTH Air Force. When the aircraft in which Lieutenant Bateman was serving as navigator was critically damaged by anti-aircraft fire after completing a successful attack upon the Chartres Railroad Bridge, he immediately seized the controls of the aircraft when the pilot and co-pilot were rendered unconscious. Although without previous experience as a pilot Lieutenant Bateman assumed the duties of pilot and displaying unusual coolness and courage he piloted the aircraft while first aid could be administered to the pilot and co-pilot. Lieutenant Bateman’s intrepidity, initiative and gallant devotion to duty on this occasion undoubtedly saved the lives of the crew members.