The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) James E. Opdyke (ASN: 0-678562), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Bombardier of a B-26 Marauder Bomber of the 17th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), TWELFTH Air Force. On 20 April 1944, Lieutenant Opdyke flew as flight bombardier in an attack upon a vital railroad viaduct near Arazzo, Italy. Upon the start of the bomb run, anti-aircraft fire enveloped his formation and a shell burst shattered the Plexiglas nose of Lieutenant Opdyke’s airplane, seriously wounding him about the face. Although suffering intense pain and bleeding profusely, Lieutenant Opdyke determinedly remained at his bombsight to direct his pilot on a precision run over the objective, thereby enabling his flight to score several direct hits heavily damaging the viaduct. His selfless devotion to duty and outstanding professional skill in combat reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.