Paul W. Tibbets, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-29 Very Heavy Bomber in the 393d Bombardment Squadron, 509th Composite Group (VH), TWENTIETH Air force, while participating in a bombing mission on 6 August 1945, over Japan. On this date Colonel Tibbets dropped the first atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Tibbets on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 20th Air force, and the United States Army Air Forces.