(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 Captain (Air Corps) John Meredith Manders (ASN: 0-784790), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber in the 501st Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group (M), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 30 January 1944, against enemy targets in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. Captain Manders’ B-25D Mitchell Bomber took off from Horanda on a low-level strike mission against Japanese shipping in Hansa Bay, located on the north coast of Papua New Guinea. Over the target his bomber was hit by 75-mm. anti-aircraft fire from guns on shore nearby. Severely damaged, the B-25D exploded and crashed into Hansa Bay near a Japanese ship that had been targeted during the attack. When his bomber failed to return it was officially declared Missing In Action and the entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, displayed by Captain Manders on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.