Arthur T. House Jr.’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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) A. T. House, Jr. (ASN: 0-406351), United States 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 Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 3 March 1943, in the Southwest Pacific Area. On this date Second Lieutenant House destroyed two enemy aircraft, which when combined with three earlier aerial victories, made him an ACE. In one instance he rammed his plane into a Japanese fighter to save the life of his squadron commander, but was able to break away and, though his plane was crippled, returned to his base and landed safely. Second Lieutenant House’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.