The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James E. Rutherford (ASN: 38236810), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe, 1 October 1943. His aircraft was subjected to intense flak during the bombing run, one burst of which penetrated the tail section of the plane, seriously wounding Sergeant Rutherford. Though suffering severe pain, he remained at his guns fighting off vicious attacks by enemy planes. It was not until the last attack had been repelled, that he left his turret to receive emergency first-aid treatment. The gallantry, skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Rutherford on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.