(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) Arthur Ernest Exon (ASN: 0-666908), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk fighter airplane in the 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 22 October 1943 in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Major Exon was piloting a P-40 Warhawk while leading his squadron on a strafing attack against German communications and supply lines near Ancona, Italy. He spotted 2 supply trains and his squadron attacked. The intensity of the squadron’s concentrated fire resulted in an explosion that destroyed a railway station, a locomotive and more than 50 freight cars. Additional heavy damage created road blocks in the railroad yards and on an adjoining highway. As Major Exon pulled up from the target, he noted that one of his planes was missing from the formation. He ordered all pilots away from the danger zone and returned alone to search for the lost P-40. While flying at low level over the wreckage, he used his outstanding flying ability when another explosion nearly blew his fighter out of control. He then reformed his squadron and, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, strafed a large motor convoy, destroying two staff cars, three reconnaissance cars and three trucks. Major Exon’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.