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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Maurice Gordon Crosbie (ASN: 0-799346), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 569th Bombardment Squadron, 390th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 4 February 1944, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Lieutenant Crosbie was piloting his airplane on a bombardment mission against strongly defended military objectives deep in enemy territory. Vicious fighter opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered and just before reaching the objective Lieutenant Crosbie was hit by a heavy shell fragment which tore away the upper left side of his face and his left eye. Lieutenant Crosbie turned over manual control of the airplane to his Co-Pilot, but remained in his seat and in command of the airplane. Disregarding his critical and agonizing wound, he directed the crew in its battle with enemy fighters on to the target and throughout the bombing run. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Crosbie under extremely adverse conditions upholds the highest traditions of the Army Air Force and reflects highest credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.