Awarded to:
Paul Douglas x 2 awards - 395th FS & 396th FS
Randall Hendricks - 397th FS
Bill Garry - 395th FS
William Kerr - 397th FS
Henry Olson - 396th FS
Tote Talbott - 397th FS
Bill Wayland - 395th FS
| 368th Fighter Group Distinguished Service Cross Citations |
1. Description: A cross of bronze, 2 inches in height and 1 13/16 inches in width with an eagle on the center and a scroll below the eagle bearing the
inscription "FOR VALOR". On the reverse side, the center of the cross is circled by a wreath with a space for engraving the name of the recipient.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 1/16 inch White 67101; 1 inch Imperial Blue
67175; 1 1/16 inch White; and 1/8 inch Old Glory Red.
3. CRITERIA: The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself or herself by
extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the Unites States; while engaged in
military operations involving conflict with an opposing/foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an
opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of
life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of the Distinguished Service Cross:
a. Decoration (regular size): MIL-D-3943/4. NSN 8455-00-269-5745 for decoration set. NSN 8455-00-246-3827 for individual replacement medal.
b. Decoration (miniature size): MIL-D-3943/4. NSN 8455-00-996-50007.
c. Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/50. NSN 8455-00-252-9919.
d. Lapel Button (metal replica of ribbon bar): MIL-L-11484/1. NSN 8455-00-253-0808.
5. BACKGROUND: a. The Distinguished Service Cross was established by President Woodrow Wilson on January 2, 1918. General Pershing,
Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces in France, had recommended that recognition other than the Medal of Honor, be authorized for the Armed
Forces of the United States for service rendered, in like manner, to that awarded by the European Armies. The request for establishment of the medal was
forwarded from the Secretary of War to the President in a letter dated December 28, 1917. The Act of Congress establishing this award (193-65th
Congress) dated July 9, 1918 is contained in Title 10 United States Code (USC) 3742. The establishment of the Distinguished Service Cross was
promulgated in War Department General Order No. 6, dated January 12, 1918.
b. The first design of the Distinguished Service Cross was cast and manufactured by the United States Mint at Philadelphia. The die was cast from the
approved design prepared by Lieutenant Aymar E. Embry, Engineers Officer Reserve Corps. Upon examination of the first medals struck at the Mint, it was
considered advisable to make certain minor changes to add to the beauty and the attractiveness of the medal. Due to the importance of the time element
involved in furnishing the decorations to General Pershing, one hundred of the medals were struck from the original design and numbered 1 to 100. These
medals were furnished with the provision that these crosses be replaced when the supply of the second design was accomplished which would also be
numbered 1 to 100.
c. Title 10, USC 3991, provides for a 10% increase in retired pay for enlisted personnel who have retired with more than 20 years of service if they have
been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
d. Order of precedence and wear of decorations is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority, supply, and issue of
decorations is contained in AR 600-8-22.
inscription "FOR VALOR". On the reverse side, the center of the cross is circled by a wreath with a space for engraving the name of the recipient.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/8 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 1/16 inch White 67101; 1 inch Imperial Blue
67175; 1 1/16 inch White; and 1/8 inch Old Glory Red.
3. CRITERIA: The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself or herself by
extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an action against an enemy of the Unites States; while engaged in
military operations involving conflict with an opposing/foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an
opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of
life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of the Distinguished Service Cross:
a. Decoration (regular size): MIL-D-3943/4. NSN 8455-00-269-5745 for decoration set. NSN 8455-00-246-3827 for individual replacement medal.
b. Decoration (miniature size): MIL-D-3943/4. NSN 8455-00-996-50007.
c. Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/50. NSN 8455-00-252-9919.
d. Lapel Button (metal replica of ribbon bar): MIL-L-11484/1. NSN 8455-00-253-0808.
5. BACKGROUND: a. The Distinguished Service Cross was established by President Woodrow Wilson on January 2, 1918. General Pershing,
Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces in France, had recommended that recognition other than the Medal of Honor, be authorized for the Armed
Forces of the United States for service rendered, in like manner, to that awarded by the European Armies. The request for establishment of the medal was
forwarded from the Secretary of War to the President in a letter dated December 28, 1917. The Act of Congress establishing this award (193-65th
Congress) dated July 9, 1918 is contained in Title 10 United States Code (USC) 3742. The establishment of the Distinguished Service Cross was
promulgated in War Department General Order No. 6, dated January 12, 1918.
b. The first design of the Distinguished Service Cross was cast and manufactured by the United States Mint at Philadelphia. The die was cast from the
approved design prepared by Lieutenant Aymar E. Embry, Engineers Officer Reserve Corps. Upon examination of the first medals struck at the Mint, it was
considered advisable to make certain minor changes to add to the beauty and the attractiveness of the medal. Due to the importance of the time element
involved in furnishing the decorations to General Pershing, one hundred of the medals were struck from the original design and numbered 1 to 100. These
medals were furnished with the provision that these crosses be replaced when the supply of the second design was accomplished which would also be
numbered 1 to 100.
c. Title 10, USC 3991, provides for a 10% increase in retired pay for enlisted personnel who have retired with more than 20 years of service if they have
been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
d. Order of precedence and wear of decorations is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority, supply, and issue of
decorations is contained in AR 600-8-22.
First Lieutenant (Air Corps) William J. Garry (ASN: 0-679856), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded
the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an
armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 395th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter
Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 23 December 1944, in the European
Theater of Operations. On this date First Lieutenant Garry shot down two enemy aircraft in a single
engagement. First Lieutenant Garry's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States
Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 24 (1945)
the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an
armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 395th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter
Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 23 December 1944, in the European
Theater of Operations. On this date First Lieutenant Garry shot down two enemy aircraft in a single
engagement. First Lieutenant Garry's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States
Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 24 (1945)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in
presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Page Douglas, Jr. (AFSN:
FR-8073/ASN: 0-432187), United States 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 396th Fighter Squadron,
368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 20 October 1944, in the European
Theater of Operations. On this date, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas was returning to base as leader of a squadron of
fighter aircraft with his supply of gasoline almost exhausted, when a formation of more than 20 enemy aircraft
carrying bombs was observed. Completely disregarding the odds against him, he ordered all but five of his aircraft
to return to base, and with this small number unhesitatingly attacked the enemy formation with such ferocity that
they were forced to jettison their bombs directly over the city of Coblenz and take evasive action. In the ensuing
combat, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas relentlessly pursued the enemy, destroyed three of his aircraft and damaged a
fourth. His own plane was continually under attack and sustained many hits. He was painfully wounded and his
airplane's right wing was set on fire, yet he managed to return to base. The extraordinary heroism and zealous
devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Douglas on this occasion are in keeping with the highest traditions
of the Armed Forces and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 13 (1945)
presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Page Douglas, Jr. (AFSN:
FR-8073/ASN: 0-432187), United States 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 396th Fighter Squadron,
368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 20 October 1944, in the European
Theater of Operations. On this date, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas was returning to base as leader of a squadron of
fighter aircraft with his supply of gasoline almost exhausted, when a formation of more than 20 enemy aircraft
carrying bombs was observed. Completely disregarding the odds against him, he ordered all but five of his aircraft
to return to base, and with this small number unhesitatingly attacked the enemy formation with such ferocity that
they were forced to jettison their bombs directly over the city of Coblenz and take evasive action. In the ensuing
combat, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas relentlessly pursued the enemy, destroyed three of his aircraft and damaged a
fourth. His own plane was continually under attack and sustained many hits. He was painfully wounded and his
airplane's right wing was set on fire, yet he managed to return to base. The extraordinary heroism and zealous
devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Douglas on this occasion are in keeping with the highest traditions
of the Armed Forces and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 13 (1945)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a
Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Page Douglas, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8073/ASN: 0-432187), United States
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 396th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 14 March 1945. On this date, with only three
aircraft supporting him, Colonel Douglas attacked a force of more than fifty enemy aircraft carrying bombs toward the American lines in the Remagen
Bridgehead. Completely disregarding the enemy's overwhelming numerical superiority, he attacked relentlessly, compelling the hostile aircraft to jettison their
bombs. In the ensuing combat Colonel Douglas destroyed three enemy planes while the aircraft he was leading destroyed seven additional enemy planes with
no loss to themselves. The extraordinary heroism and determination of this officer to destroy the enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed
Forces of the United States.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 69 (June 14, 1945)
Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Page Douglas, Jr. (AFSN: FR-8073/ASN: 0-432187), United States
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 396th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 14 March 1945. On this date, with only three
aircraft supporting him, Colonel Douglas attacked a force of more than fifty enemy aircraft carrying bombs toward the American lines in the Remagen
Bridgehead. Completely disregarding the enemy's overwhelming numerical superiority, he attacked relentlessly, compelling the hostile aircraft to jettison their
bombs. In the ensuing combat Colonel Douglas destroyed three enemy planes while the aircraft he was leading destroyed seven additional enemy planes with
no loss to themselves. The extraordinary heroism and determination of this officer to destroy the enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed
Forces of the United States.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 69 (June 14, 1945)
Major (Air Corps) Randall W. Hendricks (ASN: 0-441804), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service
Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47
Fighter Airplane in the 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on
12 June 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date, Major Hendricks shot down FOUR enemy aircraft in a single
engagement. Major Hendricks' unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 48 (1944)
Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47
Fighter Airplane in the 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on
12 June 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date, Major Hendricks shot down FOUR enemy aircraft in a single
engagement. Major Hendricks' unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 48 (1944)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William M. Kerr
(0-662136), 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 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter
Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 17 December 1944, in the European Theater of
Operations. On this date First Lieutenant Kerr shot down FOUR enemy aircraft in a single engagement. First Lieutenant
Kerr's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great
credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 37 (1945)
(0-662136), 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 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter
Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 17 December 1944, in the European Theater of
Operations. On this date First Lieutenant Kerr shot down FOUR enemy aircraft in a single engagement. First Lieutenant
Kerr's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great
credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 37 (1945)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to
Henry L. Olson (0-815376), 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 396th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat
against enemy forces on 20 October 1944. First Lieutenant Olson's unquestionable valor in aerial
combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 55 (1945)
Henry L. Olson (0-815376), 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 396th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat
against enemy forces on 20 October 1944. First Lieutenant Olson's unquestionable valor in aerial
combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 55 (1945)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to
Carlos Maurice Talbott (0-25797), Captain (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 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat
against enemy forces on 11 September 1944, during an air mission over in the European Theater of
Operations. On that date, Captain Talbott found his squadron of P-47 Thunderbolt fighter planes
outnumbered three to one by German fighters over Belgium. The Luftwaffe fighters were flying at 20,000
feet, well above their intended American targets, and had positioned themselves to block the return to
the base of the Thunderbolts, which were low on fuel and ammunition. Captain Talbott ended up alone
at 15,000 feet after losing his element leader and wingman, but he still downed two German fighters and
disrupted the enemy formation's attack before his plane was shot down. As Captain Talbott parachuted
to the ground, he was amazed to see the four pursuing Luftwaffe pilots salute him before flying away.
Captain Talbott's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air
Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 97 (1944)
Carlos Maurice Talbott (0-25797), Captain (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 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat
against enemy forces on 11 September 1944, during an air mission over in the European Theater of
Operations. On that date, Captain Talbott found his squadron of P-47 Thunderbolt fighter planes
outnumbered three to one by German fighters over Belgium. The Luftwaffe fighters were flying at 20,000
feet, well above their intended American targets, and had positioned themselves to block the return to
the base of the Thunderbolts, which were low on fuel and ammunition. Captain Talbott ended up alone
at 15,000 feet after losing his element leader and wingman, but he still downed two German fighters and
disrupted the enemy formation's attack before his plane was shot down. As Captain Talbott parachuted
to the ground, he was amazed to see the four pursuing Luftwaffe pilots salute him before flying away.
Captain Talbott's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air
Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 97 (1944)
| First Lieutenant (Air Corps) William J. Wayland (ASN: 0-818470), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 395th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 23 December 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On that date, in aerial combat, First Lieutenant Wayland shot down two enemy aircraft. First Lieutenant Wayland's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 29 (1945) |
