Grover Cleveland Blissard

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Grover Cleveland Blissard, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 429th Bombardment Squadron, 2d Bombardment Group (H), TWELFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 5 October 1943, against enemy ground targets at Pisa, Italy. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Blissard on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 12th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.