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) Gustav Donald Kjosness (ASN: 0-671372), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy 6 June and 8 June 1944. On 6 June 1944 Lieutenant Kjosness was serving as Bombardier of a B-26 Medium Bomber in the 572d Bombardment Squadron, 391st Bombardment Group (M), NINTH Air Force, on a mission over the Cherbourg Peninsula. Shortly after crossing the enemy coast Lieutenant Kjosness was hit and rendered unconscious by a shell fragment. Regaining consciousness just before reaching the target, he assumed his post and dropped the bomb load with devastating effect. Although he had not fully recovered from this wound, Lieutenant Kjosness on 8 June asked to fly as bombardier on another extremely hazardous mission. At the moment the bombs were released on the target he was hit and mortally wounded by a large shell fragment. Upon hearing the command to close the bomb bay doors, knowing that unless the doors were closed the airplane would probably fall out of formation and be a target for enemy fighters, he used the last of his fast ebbing strength to obey the pilot’s orders, and died with his mangles left hand still clutching the bomb bay lever. The heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Kjosness was inspiring to his fellow fliers, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. The highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.