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 Staff Sergeant John Oscar Stireman (ASN: 17107428), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving in a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 418th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 14 July 1943, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. As Tail Gunner of a B-17 airplane, engaged in a bombing mission over France, Sergeant Stireman greatly distinguished himself by his courage and devotion to duty. Fifty miles before reaching its target, the tail of his ship received a direct hit which blew out the oxygen system and exploded all shells of the right hand feed belt. Sergeant Stireman was severely and painfully wounded, his left leg and right arm being shattered and useless. In spite of lack of oxygen and intense pain, Sergeant Stireman remained at his post, driving off repeated and determined attacks, destroying two enemy fighters and damaging two others. It was only when his ammunition was exhausted that he left his post and then only to obtain more ammunition. The safe return of the ship and crew, as well as the successful accomplishment of the mission, are directly attributable to Sergeant Stireman’s high courage and unselfish devotion to duty. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Stireman on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.