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 Captain (Air Corps) James Henderson Dienelt (ASN: 0-23999), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Command Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber of the 531st Bombardment Squadron, 380th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over the Netherlands East Indies, on 11 June 1943. Captain Dienelt’s flight had encountered heavy flak en route to the target, and his own plane was severely damaged. Only skillful flying and his tenacious will to perform what he considered important enabled him to get his bombs on the target. On the way back from the target area, and with a piece of phosphorous bomb burning a hole in a wing. His crippled ship was attacked by Zeros and forced to make a water landing. As he and his crew left the aircraft amid a shower of bullets from Japanese attackers, the ship exploded, engulfing the crew with it. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Dienelt, 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.