Richard F. Starks

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard F. Starks, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 414th Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 21 August 1942, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Starks 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.