Murray J. Shubin’s Distinguished Service Cross citation

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

First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Murray Joseph Shubin

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 16 June 1943, during an air mission near Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands. On that date, First Lieutenant Shubin led a flight a formation of four twin-engine P-38 Lightnings in intercepting a group of about fifty Japanese fighter planes. Drawing off the enemy’s rear cover of some fifteen Zeroes, he shot down two in the ensuing skirmish before finding himself alone after the other American planes retired because of damage and lack of ammunition. For the next forty-five minutes, Lieutenant Shubin used brilliant maneuvering and frugal use of ammunition to demolish five of the Zeroes, one by one. He shattered one Zero with a single burst and then, from a steep spiral dive, scored a full deflection shot on another, destroying it. Then, with three enemy aircraft directly to his rear, he slashed back toward one Zero, sending it downward, smoking. The two remaining Zeroes sought to escape, but Lieutenant Shubin gave chase and riddled one, causing it to dive earthward. First Lieutenant Shubin’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 13th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.