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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Phillip Richard Clark (ASN: AO-735271), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Bombardier on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 753d Bombardment Squadron, 390th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 16 September 1943, against enemy ground targets in occupied Europe. After successfully completing the bombing mission, the aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters and Lieutenant Clark was seriously wounded and thrown from his gun position by enemy fire. In spite of his serious wounds he returned to his position and continued to fire his guns against subsequent attacks until he collapsed from shock and loss of blood. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Clark on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.