Robert B. Westbrook

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert B. Westbrook (0-424187), Major (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-38 Fighter Airplane in the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 23, 24, and 25 December 1943, in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. On 23 December Major Westbrook shot down one enemy aircraft. On 24 December Major Westbrook shot down three enemy airplanes in a single engagement, and on 25 December he shot down two more. Major Westbrook’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 13th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.