(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 Technical Sergeant James Van Ness (ASN: 12049940), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Flight Engineer and Gunner on a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Technical Sergeant Van Ness acquitted himself with great skill as his aircraft flew through one of the most heavily defended areas of Europe. Over the blazing target, Technical Sergeant Van Ness, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, remained steadfast by his guns. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Van Ness on this occasion, at the cost of his life, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.