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 M. Donegan (ASN: 0-725592), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-25 Heavy Bomber in the 38th Bombardment Group (M), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 18 August 1943, against Dagua Airdrome in the Southwest Pacific. AS the flight approached the target his plane received a concentrated attack by enemy fighters and was riddled by over 300 bullets, wounding all members of the crew and damaging the controls of the plane. At high speed and at a low altitude, the plane went out of control. Although three wounds in his right arm rendered it useless, Lieutenant Donegan regained control of the plane and attempted several times to reach the target despite concentrated enemy attacks. When he was finally forced to turn back he had to seek cloud protection from the attacking enemy at an altitude that required the use of oxygen. Finding all the oxygen tanks except one destroyed, he refused to use it himself and ordered it administered to more seriously wounded members of the crew. Three hours after the initial attack, he succeeded in reaching his base where he made a successful landing without further injury to his personal. Throughout the action Lieutenant Donegan showed admiral courage, fortitude, and flying skill. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Donegan in his valiant effort to save the life of a comrade on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.