Wilfred G. Holsberg

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Wilfred G. Holsberg, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Navigator of a B-17 Heavy Bomber, while participating in a bombing mission on 7 March 1944, against enemy ground targets at Tulon. Second Lieutenant Holsberg was critically injured by enemy fighter action while reviving the bombardier in time for him to release the bombs. He then remained consciousness long enough to navigate the aircraft back to a friendly base in Italy where both his legs were amputated below the knees. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Holsberg on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.