The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Virgil B. Lindsey (ASN: 0-430932), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 435th Bombardment Squadron , 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force in the Southwest Pacific Area, over Buna, New Guinea, on 25 July 1942. Second Lieutenant Lindsey was Co-Pilot of a combat crew in a B-17E type aircraft which was to observe enemy movements over Buna. While carrying out this mission, the plane was attacked by fifteen Zero fighters. Before the aircraft could reach cloud cover, the enemy succeeded in making an attack from several directions. The number two engine was damaged on the first pass and in the running fight, which lasted forty-five minutes, a second engine was disabled and the plane seriously damaged from enemy fire. However, three enemy fighters were shot down by our gunners. Three of the gunners were wounded, but courageously remained at their posts during the entire action and until such time as the plane landed safely at an advanced operational base. Throughout the combat and return flight, Lieutenant Lindsey ably assisted the Pilot in bringing the aircraft to a safe landing. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Lindsey, 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.