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 Technical Sergeant Arizona Todd Harris (ASN: 6296272), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Top Turret Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 369th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force. While on a combat mission over enemy occupied Continental Europe on 3 January 1943, the airplane on which he was serving was badly damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire and forced out of formation. A large force of enemy fighter planes then concentrated their attacks on this lone airplane, finally driving it to a crash landing in the sea. Throughout the descent, and as the airplane disappeared beneath the waves, Sergeant Harris was seen to be still firing his guns at the enemy airplanes. The dogged determination to fight against all odds and sheer bravery displayed by Sergeant Harris upon this occasion upholds the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.