The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Sergeant] Lawton L. Tabor (ASN: 6557732), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Aerial Engineer of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in action over the Makassar Straits on 3 February 1942. By alternately manning both side guns of his B-17E type aircraft after two crew members were injured in the initial attack by three Japanese Zero planes, Sergeant Tabor shot down two of the enemy planes and with other gunners destroyed the third Zero. The action occurred over Makassar Straits when the trio of Zeroes attacked the Flying Fortress while it was on a mission against Japanese shipping. Sergeant Tabor operated the turret guns in addition to performing his duties as Assistant Aerial Engineer on the B-17E. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Tabor, 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.