The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) William J. Wood (ASN: 0-682935), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber in the 746th Bombardment Squadron, 456th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 22 August 1944. First Lieutenant Wood participated in a bombing mission against a vital enemy oil refinery in Germany. Over the target area after a highly successful bombing run, his aircraft sustained severe damage from intense, heavy, and accurate anti-aircraft fire. One engine was rendered inoperative and after dropping from the protective formation to avoid collision with another damaged aircraft, he was forced to proceed to base alone. En route to base, another engine was rendered inoperative due to lack of fuel and realizing the remaining engines would soon run out of fuel, First Lieutenant Wood ordered his air crew to abandon ship. Displaying outstanding courage and determination, First Lieutenant Wood remained at his position and despite a third engine being rendered inoperative, he skillfully held his stricken ship in level flight enabling his crew to safely clear the plane after assured that all his comrades had parachuted to safety, First Lieutenant Wood finally jumped at minimum altitude which was insufficient to fully open. By his conspicuous courage, airmanship, and intense devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout forty-nine successful missions against the enemy, First Lieutenant Wood has upheld the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.