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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) D. S. Boyce Bridges, Jr. (ASN: 0-829814), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft of the 406th Fighter Squadron, 371st Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action on 23 March 1945 over Germany. Lieutenant Bridges exhibited extraordinary courage and devotion to duty while leading a flight on a bombing mission in conjunction with air-ground operations. After successfully dive-bombing a ferry on the Rhine, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he gallantly descended to minimum altitude to strafe an enemy transport and gun positions. His superior airmanship and determination despite innumerable odds were contributing factors to the success of the allied air offensive and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.