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) Kenneth Walter Howat (ASN: 0-660996), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 72d Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (H), THIRTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 1 February 1943, in an air flight which took off from Guadalcanal. As bombardier for a heavy bomber of a formation of four bombers on a mission to bomb enemy shipping, Lieutenant Howat displayed exceptional courage and bravery in the ensuing action. The formation accomplished it mission obtaining three hits on an enemy transport, shortly thereafter the formation was attacked by approximately thirty Zero fighters. During the battle three of the bombers were shot down. Lieutenant Howat was a wounded in the leg as he operated the machine gun in the nose of the bomber. When again attacked, he crawled back to his gun to fire the last nine rounds of ammunition, shooting down an enemy fighter, although he received additional wounds in his shoulder, elbow and hand. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Howat on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 13th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.