(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Hugh Smith Grundmann (ASN: 0-394075), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17E Heavy Bomber in the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 9 August 1943, against enemy targets at Rabaul New Britain Island, Papua, New Guinea. On that day, First Lieutenant Grundmann’s bomber took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby in the fourth position for the bomb run at Rabaul. Due to engine trouble the plane lagged behind during the last few minutes before reaching the target and was attacked by a large number of Japanese fighters. First Lieutenant Grundmann’s bomber sustained the brunt of the enemy attacks because it was not supported by the fire power of the guns of the other three B-17s. As the bombers left the target, First Lieutenant Grundmann’s bomber was last observed losing altitude while fighting off repeated enemy attacks, and subsequently crashed at Rondahls Plantation near Kabanga Bay, Papua New Guinea. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Grundmann on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.