Robert J. Endres’ Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Robert Joseph Endres (ASN: 19056675), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 28th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 8 December 1941, in the Philippine Islands. At his own initiative, Private Endres ran to a nearby abandoned truck and despite a rain of aerial machine gun fire and bursting bombs proceeded about the airfield, collecting wounded who were lying in the open. Filling a vehicle with casualties, he proceeded to the station hospital, unloaded the wounded and returned to the field. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Endres made seven such round trips each with a cargo of casualties, despite continual bombing and strafing. His heroic action under tremendous odds saved many wounded from further mutilation or death. Private Endres’ 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.