The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Henry P. McNeill, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 31st Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Sergeant McNeill organized a fire fighting crew during the strafing and succeeded in extinguishing fires on two planes and saving valuable equipment of the third. He then took a tug and towed the two planes to dispersed positions. Again he was subjected to extremely heavy strafing. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant McNeill, 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.