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 Private First Class Homer D. Bilyeu (ASN: 6581616), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as an Air Crew Member of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 28th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in action over the Java Sea, on 8 February 1942. On that date, a strong force of enemy fighter planes intercepted a flight of eight B-17’s which were en route to Kendari airdrome on a bombing mission. Private Bilyeu and others in the bomber formation valiantly fought off the attacking Zeros until cannon and machine gun fire riddled Private Bilyeu’s plane, mortally wounding him. His devotion to duty as well as his courage in the face of enemy fire are worthy of the highest commendation.