The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Samuel Edward Dedmon (ASN: 38236810), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the EIGHTH Air Force, on a mission over enemy-occupied Europe, 4 October 1943. When Sergeant Dedmon was knocked out of his turret by an exploding shell, he immediately re-entered the turret and manned his guns with great skill, and destroyed the attacking fighter. Shortly afterwards, he was again knocked out of his turret and wounded during a fierce attack by enemy planes. With utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Dedmon courageously crawled back to his guns and continued to fight until the last enemy plane had been driven off. The gallantry, skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Dedmon contributed materially to the safe return of his aircraft and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.