The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Edward F. LaClare (ASN: 0-392284), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 34th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 18 August 1944, Major LaClare led his group on a dive bombing and strafing mission against enemy installations in France. Despite severe and adverse weather conditions, Major LaClare, fully realizing the hazards involved, courageously led his comrades on course. After rendering useless two vital highway bridges, he gallantly led his comrades through intense and accurate anti-aircraft and small arms fire in a daring attack on a large enemy truck convoy which resulted in the destruction of twenty-five enemy vehicles and the damaging of many others. Strafing targets of opportunity while returning to base, he led his group with such courage and determination that severe damaged was inflicted to enemy locomotives, personnel, oil storage tanks, flak towers, trucks and freight cars loaded with high explosives. By his conspicuous gallantry and unselfish devotion to duty, together with his outstanding professional skill as evidenced throughout sixty-one successful combat sorties against the enemy, Major LaClare has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.