Francis V. Lael

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Francis V. Lael (0-667525), First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 723 Bombardment Squadron, 450th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 5 April 1944, against enemy targets in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Lael on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.