(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) James F. Eckrich, 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 450th Bombardment Squadron, 322d Bombardment Group (M), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 23 December 1944, against enemy targets at Euskirchen, Germany. Second Lieutenant Eckrich’s bomber was hit en route to target by German fighters. With the port engine on fire and the tail and rudder damaged, the B-26 bomber spun down in flames over the target until Second Lieutenant was able to regain control long enough for the six-man crew to bail out, and then bailed out himself near the town of Bad Munstereifel. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Eckrich on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.