The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Jimmy Earl McCurdy (ASN: 34149971), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Waist Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 509th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 30 July 1943, against enemy ground targets at Kassel, Germany. On that date, the airplane in which Sergeant McCurdy was serving was knocked out of formation by enemy fighters, thereby becoming the target of concentrated attacks. During the air battle which followed, Sergeant McCurdy was mortally wounded by an exploding canon shell. Despite great pain and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant McCurdy stuck to his guns and fought the enemy until he collapsed. The extraordinary heroism in the face of death, coolness, and skill displayed by Sergeant McCurdy on this occasion, at the cost of his life, 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.