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) Harold C. McAuliff (ASN: 0-409902), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Navigator of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber with the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in action over the Island of Bali, on 17 February 1942. Lieutenant McAuliff was the navigator of one of six B-17E type aircraft engaged on a bombing mission against enemy transports and warships near Bali. During the bombing run which was made at an altitude of 12,000 feet, the formation was attacked by six Zero fighters. The enemy aircraft made many frontal attacks, which were met by the forward guns in only two planes of our formation. During the fierce engagement which lasted for twenty minutes, one of the Zero fighters was shot down. Lieutenant McAuliff operated a forward gun and was instrumental in driving off the enemy fighters, thus enabling our planes to return safely tot heir base. Lieutenant McAuliff’s skill and courage under fire are in accord with the highest standards of the United States Army Air Corps.