(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Thomas Charles Hawke (ASN: 0-730779), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 347th Bombardment Squadron, 99th Bombardment Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, during an air mission over Italy on 16 July 1943, in the North African Theater of Operations. While serving as Bombardier, Lieutenant Hawke was struck by an exploding anti-aircraft shell. Despite mortal wounds he remained at his bomb sight and discharged the bombs over the target. Second Lieutenant Hawke’s 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.