The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Glen Beard (ASN: 6990397), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a Bomber in the TENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, in 1942. Staff Sergeant Beard’s bomber was assigned the mission to bomb shipping docks in the Rangoon area, and was accomplished through extremely adverse weather conditions, which necessitated very low flying, and for the greatest part was carried out under heavy attack from enemy fighters and severe anti-aircraft fire. In returning they med with enemy fighter resistance of more than 20 aircraft. During this running fight they destroyed at least four enemy planes before the right rudder control and two engines were disabled, and the tail and side gunners put out of action; nevertheless, they continued to fight their way through. In this engagement which ultimately required the forced landing of the plane, after all but the pilot and co-pilot had parachuted, four members of the crew were wounded and one was killed. These personnel have, in these accomplishments and in the forced landing of the plane under such difficult conditions, exhibited outstanding courage, coolness, quick and precise decision in action and gallantry of the highest order. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Beard, 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.