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) Mac L. Lucas (ASN: 0-1683555), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber with the 764th Bombardment Squadron, 461st Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 26 June 1944, Lieutenant Lucas participated in a bombing mission against a vital enemy oil center in Austria. After completing a highly successful bombing run despite heavy enemy opposition from both aggressive enemy fighters and intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lt. Lucas observed a crippled bomber forced to stop from the protective formation and under persistent attacks from enemy fighters. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lt. Lucas left the comparative safety of his formation, and courageously flew to the aid of the plane in distress. Through his highly effective firepower and skillful maneuvering of his aircraft, the attacks from thirteen enemy fighters were successfully repulsed, enabling the bombers to return safely to base without further damage. By his outstanding courage, complete disregard for personal safety and devotion to duty, as evidenced, throughout his combat career, Second Lieutenant Lucas has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.