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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Thomas John Tubman (ASN: 0-827994), 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 773d Bombardment Squadron, 463d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 24 March 1945, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. On that date, during a combat mission to Berlin, Germany, Lieutenant Tubman skillfully maneuvered his burning aircraft in level flight in order that his crew might escape. In delaying his departure from the flaming airplane until first aid had been given to a wounded crew member, Lieutenant Tubman sacrificed his own chance for safety and was killed when the aircraft exploded. The technical skill, superior leadership, and heroic conduct displayed by Lieutenant Tubman 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 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.