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 Don Erheart (ASN: 6578419), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 435th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Area, over Buna, New Guinea, on 25 July 1942. Staff Sergeant Erheart was the Aerial Engineer on a B-17E type aircraft which was on a patrol and reconnaissance mission over Buna. While flying at a low altitude observing the enemy movements, his plane was attacked by fifteen Zeros. Sergeant Erheart manned the lower turret, and although gravely wounded by cannon fire, kept his guns in action and assisted in downing three enemy planes and causing damage to the others. The remarkable courage and gallantry he displayed during this engagement are worthy of the finest traditions of the United States Air Corps.