(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Bernard J. Melman (ASN: 37075813), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the FOURTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, in 1942 and 1943. Staff Sergeant Melman was in the radio tower at the time many enemy bombers were reported to be nearing a South China base. Even though the time was short and he was due to leave the tower to seek cover at the alternate control room, he chose to remain at his post until he was sure that all planes were in the air. He aided greatly in getting the fighter planes off to pursue the enemy bombers which he knew were getting over the field. While giving radio instructions, the tower was seriously hit and put out of commission. As soon as the bombing ended, Sergeant Melman ran to the alternate control room to direct the fighters as best he could. Through his efforts, a new control unit was established on the field in a short period of time. His gallantry in the face of an enemy air raid reflects great credit on himself and in in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.