Edwin R. Herron

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edwin R. Herron (0-804332), 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 551st Bombardment Squadron, 385th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 13 February 13, 1944, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. On that date, First Lieutenant Herron was engaged in a mission to attack a No-Ball V-weapon site near Calais. A direct flak hit wounded several crew members and put two engines out of action. Struggling back home, his B-17 was forced to ditch into the Channel and Lieutenant Herron pulled six of his crew from the sinking aircraft. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Herron 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.