The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant John B. Skaggs (ASN: 15338735), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving on a B-29 Heavy Bomber of the 871st Bombardment Squadron, 497th Bombardment Group, TWENTIETH Air Force, on a mission against high priority target the Kawanishi Aircraft Plant at Kobe, Japan, on 11 May 1945. He was a combat crew member of a B-29 aircraft which led the second flight element of a composite group formation which dropped a devastating load of bombs on the primary target. Despite intense enemy anti-aircraft fire which damaged the control system of the aircraft and pressing enemy fighter attacks, his aircraft maintained formation and successfully bombed the target securing excellent results. On the flight from the target area to the coast, the crew fought off repeated enemy fighter attacks and by close cooperation of all crew members, the damaged aircraft was flown out of danger and landed at its home base. His devotion to duty, courage and determination and the skillful coordination of his efforts contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of this mission, and reflect great credit on himself and the Army Air Forces.