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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Brian O’Neill (ASN: 0-22509), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Medium Bomber in the 38th Bombardment Group (M), FIFTH Air Force, in action in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, on 3 March 1943. Lieutenant Colonel O’Neill led elements of his group of medium bombers in two low-altitude attacks on an enemy convoy of twenty-two vessels which was approaching the New Guinea coast. Although he was the only pilot of this group who participated in low-altitude bombing, and although lack of forward guns made this type of attack particularly hazardous for his planes, Lieutenant Colonel O’Neill’s volunteered to lead mast-height runs rather than accept the low percentage of hits to be expected from higher altitudes. His leadership was so effective that his group secured hits on seven of the enemy ships. Lieutenant Colonel O’Neill’s daring enterprise and his brilliant command flying contributed greatly to the destruction of the entire enemy convoy. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel O’Neill 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.