WWII Posthumous Silver Star to 1st LT John E. Hesselbarth

[starrynights]

Hello everyone. I recently acquired this Silver Star to 1st LT John E. Hesselbarth and wanted to share his story. 

He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action over Lae, New Guinea on May 25, 1942.  His B-25 was last seen in flames and losing altitude after dropping bombs on the Japanse airfield while up against a superior number of enemy Zeros. He was initially classified as MIA and was not declared dead until November 18, 1945, based on some letters found on Ancestry.

He also had a close call just days before based on accounts from a family member published in a newspaper. 
"Ten days before Emmett’s death, on another mission against Lae, Emmett’s bomber was attacked by Zeros, shot up, and limped back to a belly crash landing in a dirtfield. His last letter home (May 24) described that day: “I sweated more that halfhour than ever before or since.“"

His final resting place is at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial on the Walls of the Missing. May he be remembered for his sacrifice. RIP.
 

[starrynights]

[Brian Dentino]

Amazing SS and documentation.  An amazing snapshot of what the "Greatest Generation" did when called to duty to serve their country to keep both it and the rest of the world free from tyranny!