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 Corporal Philip John Murphy (ASN: 19055208), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Radio Operator and Gunner 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, while participating in an air flight which took off from Guadalcanal. As radio operator for a heavy bomber of formation of four bombers on a mission to bomb enemy shipping Corporal Murphy displayed exceptional bravery and courage in the ensuing action. The formation accomplished its 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. Corporal Murphy was seriously wounded in the leg while manning one of the waist guns but he continued to participate in the action by lying on his back to pass ammunition up to the other gunner until he received a second wound in the same leg, resulting in a compound fracture. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Murphy 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.