The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Jerome Joseph Wojciechowski (ASN: 0-702992), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Navigator of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 815th Bombardment Squadron, 483d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 18 July 1944, Lieutenant Wojciechowski participated in a bombing mission against a vitally important enemy airdrome in Germany. In the target area his group was aggressively attacked by enemy fighters and in the ensuing engagement is aircraft was severely damaged by enemy fire and Lieutenant Wojciechowski was severely wounded by an exploding shell which struck him with such force that he was thrown to the floor of the aircraft. Despite intense pain, shock and loss of blood, and although partially blinded by wounds around his eyes, Lieutenant Wojciechowski gallantly returned his gun position and with complete disregard for his personal safety, courageously defended his aircraft against the aggressive attacks from enemy fighters. Although his aircraft was burning fiercely, Lieutenant Wojciechowski courageously remained at his position, covering the withdrawal of his crew members, until he was ordered to abandon the aircraft. By his conspicuous gallantry, determination and intense devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout his military career, Lieutenant Wojciechowski has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.