AWARD
OF THE DISTINGUISHED-FLYING CROSS--By direction
of the President, under the provisions of the Act
of Congress approved 2 July 1926 (Bull 8, WD, 1926),
and pursuant to authority delegated by Headquarters
United States Army Strategic Air Forces in classified
letter, file 323, subject: "Delineation of Administrative
Responsibilities", dated 16July 1945, announcement
is made of, the award of the Distinguished-Flying
Cross to the following named officers and enlisted
men of the 60th Bombardment Squadron, 39th Bombardment
Group.
For
extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial
flight on 10 May 1945. These individuals were crew
members of a B-29 based in the Marianas Islands which
led and entire bombardment wing on a highly successful
raid against a heavily defended priority target, Otake
oil refinery and storage area on the island of Honshu,
Japan. From the assembly point, their formation was
attacked by thirty-six fighters. Throughout the bomb
run, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire was thrown
up by the island's defenders a high wind far in excess
of the velocity anticipated, complicated the task
of these crew members. In spite of this fierce opposition,
they preformed their duties so capably that all the
bombs from their aircraft landed within 1000 feet
of the aiming points; they touched off the formation's
attack so well that ninety-five percent of the entire
bomb load fell within this range. By their display
of high courage and superior airmanship, they effectively
carried out their assignments, contributing materially
to the successful prosecution of the air war against
Japan, thereby reflecting high credit on themselves
and the Army Air Forces.
First
Lieutenant Asa B. Edwards, xxxxxxx, Air Corps, United
States Army, as Bombardier.
First
Lieutenant Douglas H. Wingo, xxxxxxxx, Air Corps,
United States Army, Navigator.
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