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) Richard P. Schumacher (ASN: 0-732585), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 71st Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 2 September 1943. The crew of this plane braved a heavy attack barrage and more than 30 enemy fighters to strafe a 1,000-ton freighter, and then scored damaging near misses on a 7,000-ton ship with two 1,000-pound bombs. When last seen the bomber was plunging toward the water with her guns still firing at the attacking Japanese Zero fighters. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Schumacher, 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.