(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major (Air Corps) Paul Jones Stach (ASN: 0-409775), 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 455th Bombardment Squadron, 323d Bombardment Group (M), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 6 June 1944, against enemy-held Road Junctions C-1 and C-2, in Caen, France. Major Stach was in the aircraft leading Box III and en route to the target, it was hit by flak near Mezidon, France, and sustained at least three bursts of flak near the bomb bay and wing. Major Stach moved the bomber out of formation in order to allow the crew to bail out, but it went into a spin and exploded on impact. Major Stach was last seen standing in the cockpit with the escape hatch open, flames streaming from it. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Stach on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.