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 Clifton Jerry Wright (ASN: 19049862), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving on a B-25 Medium Bomber in the 3d Bombardment Group (L), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission near Rabaul, New Britain, on October 24, 1943. Sergeant Wright was Turret Gunner on a bomber assigned to strike grounded enemy aircraft at Rapopo Airdrome near Rabaul. Before reaching the target, his formation was attacked by 20 to 25 enemy fighters. One enemy aircraft pressed an attack on his airplane, and in the first burst blew off the turret, wounding Sergeant Wright in the forehead, arms and legs. Although knocked down and momentarily blinded by the slipstream and the blood from his wounds, he returned to his open turret, manned his guns and shot down the attacking enemy plane. Almost immediately another fighter began a series of close attacks. His turret was struck again, one gun put out of action, and he was knocked to the floor with further severe injuries. He returned to one remaining weapon and shot down the attacking enemy fighter. Over the target he continued firing his gun, strafing grounded enemy ships. As his bomber was turning for home base a third enemy fighter attacked. Although suffering intense pain and fully exposed to the enemy, he challenged the fighter with his fire and caused it to break off combat and retreat. In this fierce encounter, which inflicted heavy loss on the enemy Sergeant Wright demonstrated rim determination and superb daring. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Wright on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.