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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert Wesley Barrall, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 365th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over enemy occupied Continental Europe on 15 May 1943. The aircraft in which he was serving was attacked by a force of enemy fighter airplanes and during the encounter Lieutenant Barrall was wounded and the navigator was killed. Subsequent attacks by enemy airplanes wounded him again, as well as the pilot, co-pilot, top-turret gunner, radio operator, and waist gunner. In spite of his wounds, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Barrall crawled back into the shattered nose of the aircraft and released his bombs on the target. He then returned to the radio room and administered first aid to his wounded comrades. On the return journey after the completion of the mission his aircraft was again attacked by a force of enemy airplanes. Again he crawled into the broken nose section, manned his gun, and heroically flew the aircraft to its base, thereby conserving the strength of the injured pilot for the hazardous landing. The courage, skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Barrall on this occasion contributed materially to the safe return of the aircraft and crew.