The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Joseph F. Griffin (ASN: 31092275), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as Radio Operator and Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 333d Bombardment Squadron, EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombardment mission over Germany, 13 July 1943. On the return journey, the airplane was attacked and severely damaged by a large force of enemy fighter planes. Two engines were disabled, the vertical fin shot away, the ailerons damaged and the wings riddled by 20-mm. cannon fire. When a crash landing in the sea became inevitable, Sergeant Griffin was entrusted with the task of preparing the crew for abandoning the plane. Displaying great courage and skill, Sergeant Griffin arranged the equipment and organized the crewmen so efficiently that every man was able to get out of the plane and into a dinghy during the 30 seconds which the airplane remained afloat. The entire crew was safely rescued eleven hours later. The actions of Sergeant Griffin on this occasion were directly responsible for saving the lives of others and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.