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 Corporal Ivan Wettengel Henderson (ASN: 19059271), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Gunner on a B-26 Medium Bomber in the 408th Bombardment Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 28 May 1942, against enemy targets in New Guinea. When the assigned gunner of the crew of a bombardment airplane became ill, Corporal Henderson volunteered for a dangerous combat mission as Tail Gunner. When the formation was attacked over Lae airdrome by fifteen enemy fighter planes, he manned his guns skillfully and courageously and shot down four hostile planes during 25 minutes of combat, in which one engine of his airplane was destroyed by enemy cannon fire. Corporal Henderson remained in his cramped firing position continuously during the four hours of return flight, in which his plane was followed by enemy planes. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Henderson on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.