(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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) William Lanahan Sanford (ASN: 0-420646), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber of the 768th Bombardment Squadron, 462d Bombardment Group, TWENTIETH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission in over Japan on 21 August 1944. During a mission against the industrial facilities at Yawata, Captain Sanford’s bomber sustained severe flak damage, however despite the damage he was able to skillfully maneuver his bomber in such a manner that his crew survived. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sanford on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 20th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.