Ira M. Sussky

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ira M. Sussky (0406051), First Lieutenant (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 P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 29 March 1943. On that date when Lieutenant Melvin Kimball of the 14th Air Force was forced to make a landing in Japanese-controlled territory and came under immediate fire, First Lieutenant Sussky volunteered to attempt a daring rescue. Landing amid a hail of fire from Japanese soldiers surrounding the downed airman in a P-17 trainer airplane, Lieutenant Sussky was able to rescue his downed comrade. First Lieutenant Sussky’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 10th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.