The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Edward Finn, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 42d Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Corporal Finn, having no previous instruction in the mechanism of machine guns, secured and mounted a .50 caliber machine gun, and delivered effective fire upon the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Finn, 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.