(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Robert C. Rafferty (ASN: 12073182), 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 321st Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on or about 21 January 1943. Corporal Rafferty’s bomber attacked and sank a Japanese cruiser, and after delivering the lethal blows, he was mortally wounded when his bomber was attacked by twenty Japanese fighters. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Rafferty, 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.