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 Staff Sergeant Donald Dale Partridge (ASN: 16019750), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 339th Bombardment Squadron, 96th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 16 September 1943, against enemy ground at Nantes, France. When the aircraft in which he was a waist gunner was attacked by enemy fighters, Sergeant Partridge’s right leg was shattered below the knee by the explosion of a cannon shell. In spite of great pain, shock, and loss of blood, Sergeant Partridge continued to man his gun. His extraordinary courage and coolness on this mission were an inspiration to the members of the crew and reflect highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.