John J. Gogoj’s Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to

John J. Gogoj

Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Flight Engineer and Gunner on a B-26 Medium Bomber of the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FAR EAST Air Force (Detached), in aerial action against enemy forces on 4 June 1942, during an engagement near Midway Island. Staff Sergeant Gogoj participated in an extremely hazardous and difficult torpedo-bombing mission against the Japanese Navy. He displayed extraordinary heroism during the mission by fighting off enemy fighters and although he incurred painful head wounds during the attack, continued to operate his guns until free of enemy opposition. By his skilled airmanship and courageousness he was instrumental in the success of the first torpedo attack ever carried out by the Army Air Forces. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Gogoj on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.