Thomas D. Sellers

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Thomas D. Sellers, Second 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 535th Bombardment Squadron, 381st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 8 October 1943, against enemy targets near Bremen, Germany. While over the target, the pilot, Lieutenant Minerich was killed instantly when a 20-mm. shell exploded in his face. A second shell wounded Lieutenant Sellers in his left arm. His navigator and bombardier were both wounded. His engineer was unable to stand on his turret platform because of the slick layer of blood covering it. Despite his painful wounds, Lieutenant Sellers flew the ship home alone, holding perfect formation and successfully performing evasive action. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Sellers 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.