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 Private Ray James Matchitt (ASN: 14025950), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as the Member of the Crew of a Troop Transport Aircraft in the 21st Troop Carrier Squadron, 374th Troop Carrier Group, FAR EAST Ferry Command, in action against enemy forces on 19 February 1942, near Bandoeng, Java, in the Southwest Pacific War Area. As a member of the crew of a bomber which had just landed after a 14-hour flight, he assisted in a desperate effort to save the plane when the airdrome was bombed by enemy planes. A take-off was effected without preliminary engine warm-up. While the plane was only about 50 feet off the ground, it was attacked by 15 enemy fighters and one of its engines was destroyed. As the plane reached an altitude of about 7,000 feet, continuous enemy attacks resulted in the destruction of a second engine, severe damage to a third engine and the flight controls became locked. During the action, which lasted 45 minutes, Private Matchitt stayed at his post in the face of heavy enemy fire until he was killed. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Private Matchitt on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.