The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Malcolm Murray Knickerbocker (ASN: 0-747821), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-25 Medium Bomber in the 396th Bombardment Squadron, 41st Bombardment Group (M), SEVENTH Air Force, while participating in low level strike mission against the strongly fortified enemy-held atoll of Maloelap in the Central Pacific area on 25 January 1944. After leaving the target, having successfully strafed in assigned areas under the heavy fire of attacking enemy fighters, Lieutenant Knickerbocker, while performing his duties as Co-Pilot, was hit in the right leg by a 20-mm. explosive shell. The shell exploded on contact with the leg, severing it completely at the hip. Despite the fact that Lieutenant Knickerbocker suffered untold pain he did not lose consciousness. Because of the cramped quarters it was impossible to remove him from his Co-Pilot’s seat and on account of the type of injury no tourniquet could be applied. First Aid, morphine, and blood plasma were, however, administered. Throughout all this, enemy fighters continued in their attack for another fifteen minutes. Lieutenant Knickerbocker carried on as Co-Pilot, helping the Pilot maneuver through evasive action, holding the power settings and propeller controls, with entire disregard for his critical condition which was progressively aggravated by great loss of blood. On arrival at the nearest friendly base of Makin he assisted the pilot in preparing for landing. As the airplane turned into the final approach to the field, Lieutenant Knickerbocker died. The gallant example set by this officer has inspired his fellow combat crewmen to strive more aggressively for success in their combat missions. Second Lieutenant Knickerbocker’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces.