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 Staff Sergeant James W. Cannon, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Gunner in a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 70th Bombardment Squadron 38th Bombardment Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action on 21 March 1943, over the Bismark Sea. Staff Sergeant Cannon demonstrated extraordinary heroism while on a mission to bomb Japanese shipping using a new bombing technique called “skip bombing.” En route to the target area the bombardier was killed before the bombs could be released and Staff Sergeant Cannon was seriously wounded. In spite of his wounds and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Staff Sergeant Cannon made his way to the bombardier’s position and acquired a target in the form of a Japanese cruiser. Despite his unfamiliarity with the technique, Staff Sergeant Cannon successfully dropped five bombs at precisely the right time and three of them skipped across the ocean and struck the cruiser. The deadly accurate bombing caused the cruiser to sink almost immediately. Staff Sergeant Cannon’s personal bravery, his inspiring leadership and willingness to assume responsibility at a critical time made it possible for the new technique to become battle proven and directly resulted in the loss of a valuable Japanese cruiser. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and bring great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.