The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Winton L. May (ASN: 0-762409), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action on 23 December 1944 while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Marauder Bomber with the 391st Bombardment Group (Medium), NINTH Air Force. Lieutenant May was leading a formation of six B-26 type aircraft in an attack on a target in western Germany. Heroically leading his flight to the objective despite persistent fighter attacks and enemy ground fire Lieutenant May attacked his objective with excellent results and although he was wounded by a 13-mm. armor-piercing shell, Lieutenant May withstood the continuous enemy fighter attacks and made no mention of his painful injury until after the enemy formation was dispersed. His gallantry and determination despite severe enemy opposition were in large measure responsible for the elimination of an important enemy installation at a critical phase of operations against the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant May, 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.