(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class William A. Takala (ASN: 6575590), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving an Aerial Gunner of a B-17E Flying Fortress Bomber in the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 9 August 1943, against enemy targets at Rabaul New Britain Island, Papua, New Guinea. On that day his bomber took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby in the fourth position for the bomb run at Rabaul. Due to engine trouble the plane lagged behind during the last few minutes before reaching the target and was attacked by a large number of Japanese fighters. The bomber sustained the brunt of the enemy attacks because it was not supported by the fire power of the guns of the other three B-17s. As the bombers left the target, Takala’s bomber was last observed losing altitude while fighting off repeated enemy attacks, and subsequently crashed at Rondahls Plantation near Kabanga Bay, Papua New Guinea. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Takala, 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.