Joseph J. Forti

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Joseph J. Forti, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Gunner of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 409th Bombardment Squadron, 93d Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 18 March 1943, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Forti on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.