(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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) Ralph E. Beam (ASN: 0-696415), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving in a B-24 Bomber of the 460th Bombardment Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 2 December 1944. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Beam on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.