Robert E. Strand

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert E. Strand, First Lieutenant (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-17 Heavy Bomber in the 544th Bombardment Squadron, 384th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 20 June 1944, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. During a bombing mission Lieutenant Edward Thoma, Pilot of First Lieutenant Strand’s B-17 Bomber, was killed in action. Through his courage and skill First Lieutenant Strand brought his damaged airplane back to his base. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Strand 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.