(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 Staff Sergeant John F. Dowd (ASN: 32304354), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Radio Operator of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 320th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Papua, New Guinea, on 20 July 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Dowd, 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.