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 Staff Sergeant James Earl Houchins (ASN: 6994389), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy), TENTH Air Force, in action over Madoera, off the coast of Java, on 8 February 1942. Sergeant Houchins was bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress in a nine-plane formation on a bombing mission over Malang, Java, to Kendari, Celebes. The bombers were intercepted by twelve Japanese fighters, one of which fired a burst into the rear section of Sergeant Houchins’ plane and seriously damaged the control cables. This mishap caused the plane to go into a spin soon afterward when rough weather was encountered. Sergeant Houchins left his post at the start of the spin and ably assisted the pilot in regaining control and returning safely to the home base. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Houchins, 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.