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 Sergeant Herbert Woodrow Pugh (ASN: 6946137), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial action against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during a Photo-Reconnaissance air mission over Bougainville Island. Sergeant Pugh was a member of a volunteer bomber crew which undertook an important and dangerous photo mapping mission over the heavily defended enemy base at Buka. Just before the photographing was completed, about twenty enemy fighters attacked. The bomber was extensively damaged and five of the crew were seriously wounded. After a forty-five minute running fight, in which five enemy planes were destroyed and two damaged, the bomber was flown safely to its base five hundred and eighty miles away. During the return flight, Sergeant Pugh stayed in action throughout the battle, cared for the wounded, and observed landmarks for the navigator, who was half-blinded by head wounds. Sergeant Pugh showed admirable skill and determined courage on this voluntary mission, which secured information of great value in subsequent operations. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.