James F. Eckrich

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James F. Eckrich, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 450th Bombardment Squadron, 322d Bombardment Group (M), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 23 December 1944, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Eckrich on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.