Hewitt T. Wheless

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Hewitt T. Wheless, 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 B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 14 December 1941, against enemy targets in the Philippine islands. On this date during a bombing mission against two enemy transports, Lieutenant Wheless’ heavy bomber was attacked by a formation of 18 Japanese fighter planes. As he maneuvered his ship his gun crew shot down seven enemy planes and dropped depth charges which capsized the transports. He then successfully landed his bomber although its three tires were flat and the plane was badly damaged. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Wheless 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.

Office of the Department Commander, South West Pacific Command, General Orders No. 2 (1942)