Navy Patrol Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association

Combat Aircrew Wings

Combat Aircrew Wings


Patrol Bombing Squadron 102
Silver Star Recipient
TOM CLAY COLLEY




Silver Star Medal

U.S. Navy Silver Star


THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
SILVER STAR MEDAL
to

TOM CLAY COLLEY
AVIATION MACHINIST'S MATE FIRST CLASS
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

Tom Colley Photo

TOM C. COLLEY
for service as set forth in the following

CITATION

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Second Mechanic of a Liberator Search Plane in Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWO in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area on March 27, l945.

In the face of intense hostile antiaircraft fire, COLLEY rendered valuable assistance to his pilot in carrying out a determined attack to destroy a heavily armed enemy picket boat and, when his plane was severely damaged by heavy fire, aided materially in bringing the crippled aircraft safe to base. By his courage, aggressive spirit and devotion to duty, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

For the President,








SILVER STAR

The Silver Star stands as the United States' third highest award for combat valor. Established on July 16, 1932, the Silver Star actually traces its history back to the Silver Citation Star, established on July 9, 1918. The Citation Star was a silver star device which was attached to the service ribbon of the campaign medal for which the individual was cited in Official Orders for Gallantry in Action.

Most Citation Stars are found on World War I Victory Medals. To convert their Citation Stars to Silver Star medals, service members were required to present copies of the official orders which made them eligible for the Citation Star.

While the degree of heroism required to earn the Silver Star is less than that required for the Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Medal, it must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction.
 

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