AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  B-17

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James K. David for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the European and North African Theatres of Operations as pilot of a B-17 type aircraft. While approaching the bomb run over Palermo on 9 May 1943 a burst of anti-aircraft fire smashed Lt. David's windshield, and a shrapnel fragment struck him on the chest. Although dazed and temporarily blinded, he steadfastly remained at the controls and, following verbal directions from his crew, piloted his airplane back into formation and successfully completed the bomb run. Turning home, our bombers were attacked by a large force of enemy fighters. Expertly maneuvering his plane in response to instructions from his comrades, Lt. David evaded the hostile aircraft and returned safely to his base without any member of his crew having been injjured. On this, and many other combat missions, his resolute courage and calm effiiency in the face of concentrated anti-aircraft fire and determined enemy fighter attacks have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.