(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Horace E. Perry (ASN: 0-433794), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Navigator of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 435th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Perry, 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.

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) Horace E. Perry (ASN: 0-433794), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Navigator of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bombe of the 435th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), FIFTH Air force, in action over Faisi Harbor, Solomon Islands, on 3 September 1942. Lieutenant Perry’s B-17E Bomber engaged on a reconnaissance mission over enemy air and naval bases at Buka, Kieta and Faisi. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire from the warships and from shore batteries, the airplane was able to complete its mission and return to its base without damage. Though unfavorable weather and a heavy overcast were encountered over the harbor, Lieutenant Perry laid out the course so accurately that only one run was necessary. During this run, made at an altitude of 700 feet, this officer manned the forward machine gun and assisted in strafing a cargo vessel, two large flying boats and a destroyer, which was one of four warships observed in the harbor. Lieutenant Perry’s skill and courage in the face of heavy enemy fire are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army Air Corps.