Donald D. Partridge
European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 96 (1943)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald D. Partridge, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Gunner of a Bomber in the EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 16 September 1943, against enemy ground at Nantes, France. When the aircraft in which he was a waist gunner was attacked by enemy fighters, Sergeant Partridge’s right leg was shattered below the knee by the explosion of a cannon shell. In spite of great pain, shock, and loss of blood, Sergeant Partridge continued to man his gun. His actions were an inspiration to the members of the crew and upheld the highest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
