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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) William Luther Nuchols (ASN: 0-662591), 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 Medium Bomber in the 13th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission near Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 28 July 1943. Second Lieutenant Nuchols was Pilot of a bomber on a mission to attack enemy surface craft. Approaching two enemy destroyers about five miles northwest of Cape Gloucester Airdrome, he sighted and dived to attack an enemy twin-engine plane, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire from the airdrome towards which it was heading. After seriously damaging this plane, he made a run on one vessel at masthead height. Strong fire was encountered from the destroyer, and his bombs did not release. Despite the failure of upper turret guns and the inter-communications system, he began a second run. When five enemy fighters attacked, he completed the run although his bomber sustained serious damage. Unable to maneuver for combat with his damaged controls, he nevertheless expertly maintained flight until the enemy broke combat after fifteen minutes. He then ordered jettison of the bombs by use of the emergency release, and succeeded in gaining some altitude and in reaching a position over friendly territory in New Guinea. At his command, the crew then bailed out. Alone at the controls, Second Lieutenant Nichols could not maintain flight and crashed with his plane, having sacrificed his life to save his crew. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Nuchols 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.