(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 Staff Sergeant Billy Mack Tidwell (ASN: 14129923), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 333d Bombardment Squadron, 94th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 11 April 1944, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Tidwell on this occasion, at the cost of his life, 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.