Curtis E. Lemay

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Curtis E. LeMay, 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 B-17 Heavy Bomber and Commander of the 4th Bomb Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 17 August 1943, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. Although not required by obligation or duty, Colonel LeMay directed a mission over Germany, personally leading 146 B-17 bombers beyond the range of escorting fighters in the Regensburg portion of the Schweinfurt-Regensburg mission of 17 August 1943. In spite of heavy enemy fighter attack and anti-aircraft fire, he led the formation to the target and accomplished the mission. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel LeMay on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.