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 Jacob Louis Wanamaker (ASN: 34247495), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 823d Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations during a bombing mission over Uligan Harbor, New Guinea, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 8 January 1944. Staff Sergeant Wanamaker was a member of a B-25 Bomber participating in an attack against this strongly-defended enemy base. While flying at tree-top level approaching the target, the right engine received a direct hit from anti-aircraft fire and immediately burst into flames. The blaze spread along the right side of the fuselage, but rather than head for the ocean to safety, the crew elected to remain in the formation and began the bombing, strafing, and shelling attack on the target. By this time the aircraft was completely enveloped in flames, and once again passing up a chance for survival by crash landing in the ocean, a run was made through ***** Mission and its many surrounding buildings. The plane skidded through the village, setting the latter on fire and ultimately destroying it. This action cost the lives of all crew members. The gallantry displayed by Staff Sergeant Wanamaker is worthy of the highest commendation and it is in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.