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 Captain (Air Corps) John Leslie Latham, Jr. (AFSN: AO-440539), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Lead Bombardier of a B-17 Heavy Bomber of an air task force of the 338th Bombardment Squadron, 96th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in a heavy bombardment mission over Germany on 14 October 1943. On the bombing run Captain Latham was wounded and thrown from his seat by a burst of antiaircraft fire. In spite of the shock and pain from his wounds, Captain Latham returned to his post at the bombsight and completed a successful bomb run, thereby insuring the completion of the mission of this task force. On the return journey Captain Latham was again wounded by antiaircraft fire which killed and wounded a number of the crew. Completely disregarding the pain and discomfort caused by his wounds, Captain Latham assumed the responsibility of assistant navigator and was of invaluable assistance in the return of the airplane to the United Kingdom. His devotion to duty and heroism under fire on this occasion were in the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States and reflect great credit on himself.