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 Colonel (Air Corps) Morton David Magoffin (ASN: 0-20847), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane and Commanding Officer of the 362d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in the European Theater of Operations on 13 July 1944. On this date, Colonel Magoffin was returning to a beachhead air strip in France with his supply of gasoline almost exhausted, when he observed a flight of FW 190 German fighter planes in front and 1,000 feet above him. Regardless of the odds against him, Colonel Magoffin unhesitatingly signaled for one of his flight leaders to join him in engaging the enemy and ordered the remainder of the squadron to continue to the beachhead. In the ensuing combat, Colonel Magoffin, displaying great skill and courage, destroyed two of the enemy planes while his wing pilot accounted for two more. At this time a direct hit from a 20 MM shell badly crippled the plane operated by Colonel Magoffin’s companion, causing it to fly at a reduced rate of speed and at low altitude in the face of heavy flak and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Magoffin drew attention from the damaged plane by dangerously exposing himself as a target. Although his plane was hit repeatedly and his engine failed just as he reached the airstrip, he succeeded in landing safely. The extraordinary heroism and outstanding leadership displayed by Colonel Magoffin on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.