Robert L. Morrissey

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert L. Morrissey (0-373856), Captain (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 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 14 March 1942, during an air mission in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. On that date, Captain Morrissey led his fighter squadron in an aerial engagement against Japanese fighters over Horn Island, Australia. Catching the enemy by complete surprise, the squadron shot down five Japanese aircraft, Captain Morrissey personally downing one of them. Captain Morrissey’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.