(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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Gordon Marshall Heap (ASN: 0-756229), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber with the 772 Bombardment Squadron, 463d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on or about 19 August 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Heap, 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.