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 Major (Air Corps) John George Pickard (ASN: 0-21916), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer and Pilot of a B-25 Bomber in the 77th Bombardment Squadron, 28th Bombardment Group (Composite), ELEVENTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Aleutian Islands on 30 December 1942. Leading a flight of medium bombers in an attack against the Japanese shipping in Kiska Harbor, Major Pickard found himself in the face of unrestricted anti-aircraft fire and attack by enemy fighters. Major Pickard nevertheless pressed forward his attack successfully obtaining direct hits on an enemy vessel in the harbor. With one of his wingmen shot down and two others sustaining extensive damage, Major Pickard successfully led the remnants of his flight back to its base. Major Pickard’s example in pressing home his attack in the face of heavy fire and fighter opposition is worthy of the finest traditions of the Army Air Force and has served to set a high standard of determination and gallantry of his squadron. Major Pickard’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 11th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.