Robert W. Horton

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert W. Horton (0-736522), 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-24 Heavy Bomber in the 566th 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, First Lieutenant Horton was Pilot of a B-24 bomber assigned to drop bombs on the refineries. When his plane was severely damaged he continued on, in the face of almost insurmountable odds. Over the blazing target he remained steadfast in the cockpit and, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, continued his bombing run. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Horton 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.