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 Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Sumner Henry Reeder (ASN: 0-729903), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 349th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 6 September 1943, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Captain Reeder was piloting a heavy bomber on a mission against well defended military installations deep in enemy territory. Just before turning into its bombing run his airplane was subjected to a particularly vicious attack by enemy fighters. A 20-mm. cannon shell exploded in the pilot’s compartment which fatally wounded the co-pilot and seriously wounded Captain Reeder. Other cannon shells totally incapacitated the navigator and bombardier and severely damaged the airplane. With his right arm almost useless and suffering intense pain, Captain Reeder, entirely unaided, maneuvered the heavy and badly damaged aircraft so skillfully throughout a three hour running battle with determined enemy fighters that no more injury was suffered by the crew of the airplane. During this time, he continually spoke words of cheer over the interphone system to remaining crew members, never once mentioning his own wounded condition. Upon landing at a friendly base, Captain Reeder would not submit to medical attention until each of his wounded crewmen had been attended. The heroism and devotion to duty and to his fellow flyers displayed by Captain Reeder upon this occasion, reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.