(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 Technical Sergeant William E. Nakoneczny (ASN: 36170133), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Aerial Engineer of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Fifth Air Force, in aerial operations while on a bombing mission over Wewak, New Guinea, on 8 August 1943. Technical Sergeant and his comrades knocked out six Japanese Zero fighter planes in a running battle that lasted about 15 minutes. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Nakoneczny, 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.