The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Durward W. Fesmire (ASN: 6246350), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action over Rabaul, New Britain, on 7 August 1942. Master Sergeant Fesmire was the lead bombardier for a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in the mass daylight raid on Vunakanau airdrome at Rabaul. All bombs of the squadron were placed on the target as the result of Sergeant Fesmire’s accurate bombing. The raid was highly successful and a great deal of damage was done to enemy material and ground installations. The results of this mission contributed greatly to the success of the Allied offensive in the Southwest Pacific Area. Sergeant Fesmire has a record of ten combat missions on which he has been the bombardier and dropped his bombs directly on the target in each raid. Further, he has participated continuously in combat missions in the Philippines, in the Netherlands East Indies, and in the Australian campaign. His courage and bravery are worthy of the highest commendation and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Corps.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Durward W. Fesmire (ASN: 6246350), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action on 25 May 1942 while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force. This combat crew departed for a bombing mission against the Japanese-held airdrome at Rabaul, New Britain. The flight arrived over the target at 27,000 feet, where it was intercepted by twelve Zeros. In spite of this interception, the bombing raid was successfully completed and large fires were started, and several Japanese planes were destroyed. In the ensuing fight, several head-on attacks were repulsed and two of the enemy planes were probably shot down. Through superior shooting and courage, the crew was able to ward off the Zeros and escape into the clouds. On the return trip, enemy planes at the Gasmata airdrome were strafed, causing severe damage to them and to other installations. A sixty mile wind blew the plane off the course and impeded its progress, so that its arrival at the Australian coast was delayed. The two inboard engines were feathered in an effort to conserve fuel. However, an insufficient amount remained to carry them to an emergency field. The pilot, realizing that a crash landing was inevitable, gave the crew an opportunity to abandon the plane, but all chose to remain with him while he made a very fine landing on extremely rough ground. This crew showed courage and resourcefulness in securing food and water, and also in making a take-off strip. A very difficult take-off was made under 1,000 feet and the plane arrived safely at the home base. This remarkable achievement exemplifies one of the finest accomplishments of the United States Army Air Corps and is in keeping with its finest traditions.