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) Benjamin Lyons Garris (ASN: 0-667690), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane of the 48th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, during an air mission against enemy forces near Fisciano, Italy, on 16 September 1943. A large force of German planes suddenly attacked Lieutenant Garris’ formation of P-38s as it approached the Italian coast. With his plane riddled by high explosive shells which destroyed the left motor, damaged the right one, and inflicted severe wounds about his face, Lieutenant Garris attempted to warn and protect the remainder of his formation. Sighting five more enemy fighters diving to attack, he fired warning shots and, without regard for his own safety, turned on his failing motor to meet their attack. He succeeded in turning them back and parachuted from his falling airplane. Second Lieutenant Garris’ unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.