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 Lieutenant Colonel (General Staff Corps) Francis Robert Stevens (ASN: 0-15779), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Observer for the War Department General Staff, in action against enemy forces while flying with the 22d Bombardment Group (Medium), Far East Air Force, in the vicinity of Port Moresby and Salamaua, New Guinea, on 9 June 1942. While on a mission from the War Department General Staff of obtaining information in the Southwest Pacific area, Lieutenant Colonel Stevens, in order to obtain personal knowledge of combat conditions, volunteered as an observer on a hazardous aerial combat mission over hostile positions in New Guinea. While on this mission, the six American planes were attacked by ten hostile fighters. The plane in which Lieutenant Colonel Sevens was an observer was shot down in the combat which ensued. This courageous officer lost his life as a result of his heroic voluntary attempt to gain invaluable information. Lieutenant Colonel Stevens’ intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.