The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) David G. Rawls (ASN: 0-395290), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous bravery, coolness and expert handling of his airplane while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. On approaching his destination, Captain Rawls found his landing fields under enemy attack, was mistaken for an enemy plane by anti-aircraft batteries, and was attacked by two Japanese pursuit planes. When he ran out of ammunition and his fuel supply was extremely low, Captain Rawls, despite the anti-aircraft fire and enemy attacks, made a successful landing, saving his plane and crew. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) David G. Rawls (ASN: 0-395290), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 14th Reconnaissance Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, while participating in bombing missions during the period 10 through 14 April 1942, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine islands. Captain Rawls participated in a daring 4-day mission under the command of Brigadier General Ralph Royce, who led a flight of seven B-25Cs and three B-17s from Australia to a staging field at Del Monte on Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. Over the following two days the B-25’s and B-17’s attacked the many ships and the docks at Cebu, the air and harbor facilities at Davao, and Nichols Field on Luzon. The B-25 Mitchell’s were involved in over twenty sorties. They sank one Japanese transport and possibly two others. They also shot down three Japanese aircraft. All but one of the aircraft returned to Australia without the loss of a single flyer, and they brought out a number of important military and diplomatic personnel who had gathered at Del Monte to await evacuation. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Waptain Rawls during this period have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.