The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Francis G. Peattie (ASN: 0-727655), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in action over Vunakanau Aerodrome, near Rabaul, New Britain, on 26 June 1943. Second Lieutenant Peattie’s bomber was on an important and strategic bombing raid against the most heavily defended Japanese base in the Pacific, Lieutenant Peattie demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. His bombs were dropped on the target with such precision and accuracy that only one bombing run was necessary in destroying nine enemy bombers. During an ensuing battle with enemy fighters, although wounded himself, Lieutenant Peattie administered aid to the wounded pilot, copilot, and navigator, removing his parachute in order to be of more assistance. He thereby placed himself at a disadvantage which later led to his death, since he was unable to bail out of the airplane before it crashed. Through his marked courage and heroism, Lieutenant Peattie upheld the highest traditions of the military service.

(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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Francis Gerard Peattie (ASN: 0-727655), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Peattie, 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.