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 Staff Sergeant Joseph Herbert James, Jr. (ASN: 14037407), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-26 Medium Bomber in the 440th Bombardment Squadron, 319th Bombardment Group (M), TWELFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 11 July 1943, against enemy targets over Berbini airdrome, Sicily. Ten enemy fighters attacked his plane, disabling one engine and setting fire to the fuselage. As the blazing B-26 rapidly lost altitude, three crew members parachuted out. Although he had ample opportunity to escape, Sergeant James courageously remained at his guns, destroying an MA-202 just before his bomber exploded in mid-air. Sergeant James’ outstanding heroism and unfailing devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.