(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Ralph H. Thomas (ASN: 19079598), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Aerial Engineer of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 64th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on or about 26 June 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Thomas, 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.