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 Technical Sergeant Samuel S. Barbiero (ASN: 32452152), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Radio Operator and Gunner in a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 511th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 26 November 1943, over Germany. During a fierce enemy fighter attack, Sergeant Barbiero was hit by a 20-mm. cannon shell which amputated his left foot and tore away part of the leg. In the same attack the plane itself was badly damaged. Despite the gravity of his own condition and the intense pain he was suffering, he put a tourniquet on his leg and hopped to his radio to send out distress signals. Finding the radio damaged beyond use, he set about repairing it, and was able to send out a signal. Despite the heavy damage, the plane reached England, but ran completely out of gas before landing could be made. A crash-landing became necessary. Again exercising unparalleled courage and coolness and disregard for self, he gathered the other members of the crew in the radio compartment into his arms, and bracing himself with his one sound leg, cushioned the impact of the crash landing with his own body. The courage, devotion to duty, and moral fiber demonstrated by Sergeant Barbiero on this occasion served as an inspiration of the highest order to all his crew members and to all members of this command, and his actions reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.