(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) William A. Dietch (ASN: 0-433134), 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 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over New Guinea, on 16 September 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Dietch, 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.