Ernest M. Mohon, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ernest M. Mohon, Jr., Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Bombardier and Gunner of a B-26 Medium Bomber of the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FAR EAST Air Force (Detached), in aerial action against enemy surface forces on 4 June 1942, during an engagement near Midway Island. Sergeant Mohon displayed extraordinary heroism during an extremely hazardous and difficult torpedo-bombing mission against the Japanese Navy. His skill and courageousness in operating his gun in the face of superior fighter opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire was instrumental in the success of the first torpedo attack ever carried out by the Army Air Forces. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Mohon 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 Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.