The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] John B. Mead (ASN: 0-733073), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while engaged in a special assignment with the French Forces of the Interior. When his airplane was forced down in enemy territory on 5 May 1944, Captain Mead joined a Maquis Unit and, without regard for his personal safety, led it in numerous operations against the enemy. The gallantry and outstanding leadership displayed by Captain Mead on these occasions reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) John B. Mead (ASN: 0-733073), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while participating in a hazardous night mission over Europe, 5 May 1944. Flying at low altitude and without escort, the B-24 Liberator Bomber in which Captain Mead was serving as Bombardier was subjected to a veritable hail of flak. Both wings of the plane were set afire and an auxiliary fuel tank in the right wing burst into flames. Realizing that the aircraft was doomed, he attempted to contact the pilot on the interphone, but discovered that it had been rendered useless. Making his way to the rear of the plane, Captain Mead manually opened the bomb bay doors to lessen the intense heat and assist the crew in bailing out. Seeing that two of the crewmen were dazed and helpless, he procured parachutes for them and assisted in buckling them on. It was not until the entire crew had cleared the plane, which by now was a blazing inferno, that Captain Mead bailed out. His courage, utter disregard for personal safety, and cool judgment undoubtedly saved the lives of the two stricken crewmen.