Edwin L. Heller

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edwin L. Heller (0-797827), First Lieutenant (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 386th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 24 April 1944, during an air mission over Germany. On that date, Lieutenant Heller attacked a strongly defended enemy airdrome and destroyed three aircraft. In the attack the flight leader was lost so he set course for home. Spotting another airdrome, he attacked and destroyed two more aircraft. He soon found another air field loaded with enemy aircraft. Although low on fuel and ammunition and still deep in enemy territory, he fearlessly flew into an intense barrage of ground fire and destroyed seven and damaged five aircraft plus many pieces of equipment. First Lieutenant Heller’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.