(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Alphonse D. Baluta (ASN: 13005637), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the XII Air Support Command, TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations of Operations in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Baluta, 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.