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 Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Forti (ASN: 32337207), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Gunner of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 409th Bombardment Squadron, 93d Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over enemy territory in continental Europe on 18 March 1943. While making a bombing run on an enemy target the aircraft in which he was serving was attacked by a large force of enemy fighter airplanes. A cannon shell burst in the airplane severely wounding Sergeant Forti; in spite of his wounds and lack of oxygen, and thinking only of the responsibility resting upon him, he kept firing his guns at the attacking enemy airplanes until they were driven off. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Forti on this occasion enabled the aircraft to complete its mission successfully in spite of enemy opposition and return safely to its base.