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 Louis Eugene Lonsway (ASN: 18002931), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 549th Bombardment Squadron, 385th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over Germany, 14 October 1943. The airplane in which Sergeant Lonsway was serving was viciously attacked by large numbers of enemy fighters, during which a cannon shell exploded in the tail of the plane, setting it on fire, destroying the oxygen system, and seriously wounding Sergeant Lonsway. Despite his serious wounds, Sergeant Lonsway extinguished the fire with his bare hands, suffering severe burns. Unmindful of the severe pain of his wounds and lack of oxygen, he continued to man his guns through three hours of persistent enemy attacks. His courage, coolness, skill and devotion to duty reflect highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.