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 Robert Warren Fegan (ASN: 32478991), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Waist Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 524th Bombardment Squadron, 379th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over continental Europe on 12 August 1943. The B-17 airplane in which Sergeant Fegan was serving as Right Waist Gunner was struck by flak and subjected to severe fighter attacks. The oxygen and interphone systems were knocked out, and this soldier was severely wounded by a cannon shell. Despite the severity of his wounds and the lack of oxygen and though unable to stand, Sergeant Fegan, supporting himself by means of empty ammunition cases and with complete disregard for his personal safety, continued to man his guns and fight off the enemy until he collapsed from loss of blood and lack of oxygen. The extraordinary heroism, skill and coolness displayed by Sergeant Fegan upon this occasion 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.