(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 Leonard Alexander Papke (ASN: 36177068), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-24 Liberator Bomber in the 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the North Africa Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Papke, 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.