(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 Staff Sergeant Ernest Victor Martin (ASN: 32271998), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Waist Gunner on a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Staff Sergeant Martin acquitted himself with great skill as his aircraft flew through one of the most heavily defended areas of Europe. When the plane on which he served was severely damaged he continued on, in the face of almost insurmountable odds. Over the blazing target, Staff Sergeant Martin, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, remained steadfast by his guns until he was killed by enemy fire. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Martin on this occasion, at the cost of his life, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.