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 Thomas J. McGrath (ASN: 13029220), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in action against enemy forces as Radio Operator of a B-17 Bomber of the 364th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating on a bombing mission over enemy occupied continental Europe on 17 May 1943. When the aircraft in which he was serving as a gunner was attacked by a large force of enemy airplanes, it was seriously damaged and Sergeant McGrath was severely wounded. He continued to fire his guns until he was critically wounded in the body by intense hostile fire, the impact of which hurled him to the opposite side of the aircraft. In spite of his then critical condition he returned to his station and resumed fire throughout the entire action. The extraordinary heroism, courage, and gallantry displayed by this soldier contributed materially in the deflection of the enemy attack and subsequent safe return of the aircraft and crew.