Louis T. Silva

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Louis T. Silva (45343), Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 9th Bombardment Squadron, 7th Bombardment Group (H), TENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 17 January 1942, against enemy targets in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Silva on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 10th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Office of the Department Commander, South West Pacific Command, General Orders No. 2 (1942)