Nathan Bedford Forrest III

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Nathan Bedford Forrest, III (0-17124), Brigadier General, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Chief of Staff for the SECOND Air Force and an Observer in a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 13 June 1943, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. On this date, Brigadier General Forrest was lost in action during a bombing attack on the submarine yards of Kiel, Germany. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Brigadier General Forrest on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.