The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Harold D. Cunningham (ASN: ASN: 0-770092), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane of the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action on 10 April 1945 near Weimar, Germany. While leading a flight on a patrol mission, he observed four Messerschmitt 109s. Leading his flight against the enemy planes, Lieutenant Cunningham destroyed two and one-half of the enemy aircraft. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Cunningham, 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.