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 William P. Palmisano, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Waist Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 534th Bombardment Squadron, 381st Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, during a bombing mission over Germany on 19 April 1944. Staff Sergeant Palmisano’s bomber was attacked by enemy fighters over Germany as it approached the target. Knocked down and severely wounded in the left arm and chest by a 20-mm. canon shell, he crawled back to his gun and refused first aid until the last attack had been repulsed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Palmisano, 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.