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) Charles Stephen Hudson, 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 322d Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 9 October 1943, against enemy ground targets in Germany. During the course of a vicious attack by enemy fighter airplanes, Lieutenant Hudson was wounded in his right shoulder and his left wrist broken by flak fragment. He refused to accept first aid treatment but remained at his post. He continued to fire his machine gun at the attacking fighter airplanes in spite of the excruciating pain and the handicap of his injured arm until further danger from fighter attacks had ceased. After his wounds had been treated, he returned to his post and assisted the navigator and pilot on the return journey. The devotion to duty and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Hudson were an inspiration to his comrades, and his action in remaining at his post in spite of his injuries was largely responsible for the safe return of the aircraft. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Hudson 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.