The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Richard L. Thayer (ASN: 35172136), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Right Waist Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the EIGHTH Air Force, during a raid over Germany on 20 March 1944. During a savage assault by eight hostile fighters, Sergeant Thayer was seriously wounded. The left waist and tail gunners were also wounded, leaving the plane exceedingly vulnerable to attack. Though suffering great pain and blood streaming down his leg. Sergeant Thayer continued to fight off the determined and fierce attacks. The gallantry, skill, and disregard for personal safety and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Thayer set an inspiring example for his comrades and contributed materially to the safe return of the aircraft and crew. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Thayer, 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.