(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Thomas Fitzgerald Neal, Jr. (ASN: 0-672658), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane of the 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Neal, 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.