Vance P. Ludwig

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Vance P. Ludwig (0-661342), 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 P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 63d Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 4 October 1943. On that date, First Lieutenant Ludwig shot down THREE enemy aircraft in a single engagement. First Lieutenant Ludwig’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.