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) Harold Graham McNeese (ASN: 0-726442), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 424th Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy), THIRTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 13 February 1943, while engaged in a daylight raid on an enemy base in the Solomons Islands area. Lieutenant McNeese piloted his heavy bombardment airplane through heavy anti-aircraft fire and opposition from enemy fighters with overwhelming numerical superiority. Before his ship had reached the target it had been hit and severely damaged and the left wing and outboard engine were aflame, but he held to the formation until the bomb release line was reached and all bombs were dropped on the target area. The heat was then so severe that occupants were unable to remain in the rear of the bomber, and the damaged craft and surviving crew were attacked by 12 zero fighters. Lieutenant McNeese headed for open sea to force the assailants to break off the engagement as quickly as possible. One enemy craft was shot down in flames and at least one other was forced to break away, smoking badly, before the fighters discontinued the attack. Lieutenant McNeese then headed for land, but the ship was in such condition that a water landing was unavoidable. Negotiating a successful landing of the badly crippled airplane, Lieutenant McNeese with the survivors, after rowing for 18 hours, landed upon an enemy-occupied island. Thereafter he led the crew for 19 days throughout enemy waters. His utter disregard for his own safety and splendid leadership made possible the completion of the bombing run and the return of the surviving crew members to safety. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant McNeese 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.