Robert C. Mooney

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert C. Mooney (0-724635), Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 567th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Captain Mooney flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds. He died while still skillfully and determinedly flying into the face of the enemy. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Mooney on this occasion, at the cost of his life, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.