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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) William M. Jones, Jr. (ASN: 0-663523), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Bomber in the 524th Bombardment Squadron, 379th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over enemy occupied continental Europe on 11 June 1943. The aircraft on which Lieutenant Jones was serving as pilot was attacked by enemy airplanes immediately after leaving the target, and he was severely wounded. In spite of the intense pain of his wound and weakness from loss of blood, Lieutenant Jones, with complete disregard for his personal welfare and thinking only of the safety of his aircraft and fellow crewmen, courageously flew his airplane safely back to a friendly base. On the return journey he refused to have morphine administered, thinking it would dim his faculties to such an extent that he would not be able to maintain mastery of his airplane. The safe return of the aircraft and crew on this occasion are due, in a large measure, to the extraordinary heroism, skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Jones.