(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John D. Mason (ASN: 0-686260), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on or about 17 August 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Mason, 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.