(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 Staff Sergeant Clayton Claude Burdue (ASN: 19138996), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 334th Bombardment Squadron, 95th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 5 January 1944, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Burdue on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.