The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Raymond F. McBriarity, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 86th Observation Squadron, SEVENTH Air Force, during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Private First Class McBriarity proceeded under fire to obtain and mount in his assigned airplane a machine gun which he then manned to deliver fire against the enemy. With complete disregard for his personal safety and during overwhelming machine gun fire of the enemy, he remained at his station until the conclusion of the raid. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class McBriarity, 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.