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) Barclay B. Beeby (ASN: 0-735023), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action, while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber on a bombing mission over enemy occupied Europe, 31 December 1943. When one engine of his aircraft became disabled prior to reaching the target, Lieutenant Beeby endeavored to maintain his position in the formation but soon found this to be impossible. Shortly afterwards, he propeller on the disabled engine sheared off its shaft and tore through the nose compartment causing serious damage and injuring the bombardier. Following this, enemy fighters attacked and as a result the ball turret guns were knocked out, three members of the crew wounded by exploding cannon shells, the oxygen system knocked out and a fire started in the cockpit. After extinguishing the fire, Lieutenant Beeby dove his plane to a low altitude and skillfully maneuvered his aircraft back to base. 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.