Eugene B. O’Leary

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Eugene B. O’Leary, 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 B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 419th Bombardment Squadron, 301st Bombardment Group (H), FIFTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 27 December 1944, against enemy ground targets in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. While engaged in his duties on the bomb run, Staff Sergeant O’Leary sustained severe injury to his forearm during an unusual heavy accurate and intense anti-aircraft barrage. Although in extreme pain and weak from loss of blood, he displayed unusual fortitude in fighting to retain consciousness until he could complete his job and return to his guns to ward off imminent enemy fighter aircraft attacks. He remained at his post through out the entire flight to the base and refused to take first aid treatment until the aircraft was well over territory where normally anti-aircraft fire and fighter attacks were not in evidence. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant O’Leary on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.