The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Theodore I. Pasco (ASN: 0-431759), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 435th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial operations over Buna, New Guinea, on 25 July 1942. Second Lieutenant Pasco was bombardier on a combat crew of a B-17E type aircraft which was on a patrol and reconnaissance mission over Buna. While observing enemy movements from a low altitude, this plane was attacked by fifteen Japanese fighters, and in an engagement which lasted forty-five minutes, three Zeros were shot down and several others damaged. Although Lieutenant Pasco was wounded, he continued to man the nose gun during the entire action. The enemy attacked vigorously and with withering machine gun and cannon fire, but were eventually repulsed. The courage and devotion to duty shown by Lieutenant Pasco contributed a great deal to the safe return of the aircraft to its base with valuable information concerning enemy troop movements. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Pasco, 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.