Joseph G. McElroy’s 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 First Class Joseph Girard McElroy, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving in a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 8 December 1941, during the Japanese bombardment of the Philippine Islands. Instead of seeking shelter, Private First Class McElroy ran to his grounded airplane and in the face of devastating bomber and aerial machine gun attack which followed, courageously and successfully defended his airplane. In the line of his fire, one hostile plane crashed in flames and two others withdrew from the attack emitting dense trails of smoke. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Private First Class McElroy 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.