David C. Schilling

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to David C. Schilling (0-393204), Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 23 December 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Lieutenant Colonel Schilling shot down five enemy aircraft to become an ACE in a single day. Lieutenant Colonel Schilling’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to David C. Schilling (0-393204), Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 9 April 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Lieutenant Colonel Schilling shot down two enemy aircraft. Lieutenant Colonel Schilling’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.