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 Edward Stephen Yevich (ASN: 32258299), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Waist Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 418th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over Germany on 8 October 1943. Immediately after completing its bombing run, the aircraft in which Sergeant Yevich was serving as right waist gunner was heavily hit by enemy fire. In spite of a broken arm and other painful wounds, Sergeant Yevich remained at his post and continued to ward off enemy fighters until all danger of enemy attack had ceased. The safe return of the ship and crew was largely attributable to Sergeant Yevich’s courage and devotion to duty and his actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.