(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John Mack Simmons, Jr. (ASN: 0-816167), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving was Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 317th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Simmons, 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.