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) John Myrvis Pearson (ASN: 0-73350), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 335th Bombardment Squadron, 95th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 13 June 1943, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. On that date, First Lieutenant Pearson was the pilot of the lead aircraft, B-17G, in the 95th Bomb Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, on an operational flight to Kiel, Germany. First Lieutenant Pearson’s aircraft lost one engine due to enemy fighter aircraft attack and anti-aircraft ground fire 10 minutes before arriving at the Initial Point of the bombing mission. First Lieutenant Pearson maintained his position, airspeed and altitude in the formation until the successful completion of this bombing mission and returned to England. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Pearson 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.