The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Herbert J. Banks (ASN: 0-664495), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), TWELFTH Air Force. On 23 July 1944, Captain Banks led a nine-plane formation in an attack upon a railroad bridge at Ostiglia, Italy. Upon the approach to the target, direct hits from intense anti-aircraft fire seriously wounded his co-pilot and himself and heavily damaged his airplane. Displaying superior flying ability and determination, Captain Banks courageously maintained his crippled plane in the lead position and guided his bombers on a precision run over the objective. A devastating bomb pattern covered the target area, destroying the bridge and heavily damaging the railroad tracks. His gallant devotion to duty and outstanding proficiency in combat reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.