(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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Clayton J. Barnes (ASN: 0-724507), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.