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 (Field Artillery) Mayhew Y. Foster (ASN: 0-307029), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 15 August 1944 in France. Early on D-Day in the invasion of Southern France Captain Foster flew his light reconnaissance plane from the improvised flight deck of an LST. Aware that a landing would have to be made on shore behind the invading forces, he was first to take off. He located a suitable landing field on shore and returned to the LST to drop a note enabling other pilots to take off. Then, for more than five hours he flew far inland, flying low and braving fire from enemy ground troops and antiaircraft installations, to keep the Corps Commander informed of the progress of the invasion and the disposition of enemy defenses. When almost out of gas, he landed on the small field he had chosen in order to test its fitness for use by the other planes. His courageous performance of duty contributed greatly to the success of the operations. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.