(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) Ralph W. Whikehart (ASN: 0-679422), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Bombardier of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations over enemy-occupied France, on 20 April 1944. First Lieutenant Whikehart was Lead Bombardier for a formation of B-24 Liberator Bombers and remained at his bombsight although severely wounded and suffering extreme pain. He released his bombes accurately on the assigned target. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Whikehart, 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.