Willis W. Burney

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Willis W. Burney (0-426112), Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as member of the crew of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 9th Bombardment Squadron, 7th Bombardment Group (H), TENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 16 January 1942, against enemy Japanese targets in the Southwest Pacific War Area. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Burney on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 10th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.