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) Horace B. Bingham (ASN: 0-757646), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action over enemy territory while performing the duties of Lead Bombardier of a Heavy Bomber of the EIGHTH Air Force, 16 August 1944. Just before the bomb release, a burst of flak struck the nose of the plane, momentarily stunning Lieutenant Bingham. Although wounded, he regained his position at the bomb sight and coolly and calmly completed his calculations, releasing his bombs into the center of the target. Despite the fact that his plane was repeatedly hit by gunfire during the bomb run, Lieutenant Bingham’s determination and superior marksmanship enabled him, as well as the others in the group bombing on his release, to score direct hits on an installation of vital importance.