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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 Captain (Air Corps) Gustave Marinius Heiss, Jr. (ASN: 0-392820), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (Light), Far East Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in on 13 and 14 April 1942. Captain Heiss wrought havoc with enemy shipping and accounted for one enemy airplane in the air. Again on 6 May 1942, he sighted the Coral Sea Naval engagement in progress. With great skill and much coolness he was able to keep within sight of the battle and a great deal of important information on the Japanese Naval Forces hitherto fore unknown, was promptly transmitted to the proper authorities, enabling our forces to take prompt and effective action. The daring and resourcefulness demonstrated here are in accord with the finest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    13th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group (L)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 10 – 14, 1942
    Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 18 (June 6, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Gustave Marinius Heiss, Jr. (ASN: 0-392820), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (Light), Far East Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in from 10 to 14 April 1942. Captain Heiss participated in a flying expedition from Australia to the Philippine Islands, in four attacks against the enemy. During this mission over 4,000 miles of open sea were covered and the operations resulted in the destruction of many enemy transports, airplanes, and ground installations. The daring, determination and perseverance of Captain Heiss was evident throughout the entire mission. He was filled with zeal to inflict the most damage on the enemy, and uncomplainingly endured hardships to accomplish this end. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Heiss, 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.