Barnardina Q. Tortora

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Barnardina Q. Tortora, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 23d Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group, during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Sergeant Tortora, conspicuous for his bravery, taxied a B-18 across the runway while under heavy enemy bombing and aircraft fire to a safe dispersed position.

Authority: “Heroes of Pearl Harbor”, Donald K. & Helen L. Ross