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) Eugene C. Caughlan (ASN: 0-741963), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 351st Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Continental Europe on 9 April 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Caughlan’s bomber was attacked by German fighter planes on the return from the aerial assault on enemy installations at Rahmel, Poland. Lieutenant Caughlan, the co-pilot, the navigator, nose gunner and top turret gunner were wounded by cannon fire and the controls of the plane were badly damaged. Despite those casualties to himself and crew, Lieutenant Caughlan maintained his position in the formation until such time as withdrawal to a more tenable position could be made without endangering the accompanying aircraft. Exercising great coolness, excellent leadership and superior airmanship, he then brought his damaged ship back to base, where in spite of a shattered windshield which seriously handicapped his vision, one feathered engine and extensive battle damage, he accomplished an excellent landing. The courage, coolness, superb leadership, intelligence and initiative demonstrated by Lieutenant Caughlan contributed directly to the saving of the lives of the members of his crew and the return of a valuable aircraft. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Caughlan, 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.