(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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Thomas Savino (ASN: 0-791858), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-26 Marauder Bomber of the 456th Bombardment Squadron, 323d Bombardment Group (Medium), NINTH Air Force, during an air mission on 3 November 1943, over Amsterdam, Holland. First Lieutenant Savino was flying the lead plane against the attack on the heavily-defended enemy airfield. As the B-26 Marauder entered the bombing run, shrapnel from heavy anti-aircraft fire hit the left wing, pierced the fuel tank, and a long stream of fire moved back from the wing and spread throughout the plane. At this point in the run it was critical to the safety of the formation, as well as the success of the mission, that all planes remain in close formation. So, rather than jeopardize the safety of the formation and success of the mission, the crew elected to remain at their posts and complete the mission, even at the risk of their lives. The pilot and co-pilot flew their plane slightly below the rest of the aircraft to minimize the danger to the formation if the plane exploded, but remained on course. The bombardier held his bombs until over the target, although dropping them would have eased the handling of the badly-damaged aircraft. The gunners were seen to glance at the flames on their aircraft and return to their guns. As the bombing run was completed, the flaming B-26 lost the left wing, went into a uncontrollable dive, and exploded in mid-air carrying with it the entire crew. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Savino, 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.