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 Sergeant Robert F. Lilley, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Aerial Gunner on a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 68th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe, 6 December, 1942. After successfully bombing the target, his aircraft was subjected to a concentrated attack by a large force of enemy fighters. During the aerial battle which followed, three engines of the plane were knocked out and other severe damage sustained. Knowing that a crash landing in the sea was inevitable, Sergeant Lilley and each member of the gallant crew remained at his position, fighting against overwhelming odds. This tenacity of purpose accounted for the destruction of two enemy planes and damage to several others before the airplane crashed into the sea. The gallantry, skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Lilley on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.