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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Emanuel Snitkin (ASN: 0-426198), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 28th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy over Rabaul, New Britain, on 7 August 1942. Lieutenant Snitkin was in a formation of Flying Fortresses engaged in a bombing raid on the enemy-held Vunakanau Airdrome. While on the bombing run the formation was intercepted by a strong force of enemy fighters. Lieutenant Snitkin manned the forward gun and repeatedly warded off the enemy’s frontal attacks. He then returned to his bombsight and scored direct hits on the runway, causing considerable damage to it. After dropping his bombs, Lieutenant Snitkin returned to the forward gun to continue the battle, in which 7 enemy aircraft were shot down. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Snitkin, 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.