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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Flight Officer Walter A. Doerschlag, Jr., for distinguishing himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a bomber over Hof, Germany on 8 April 1945. On that date, while piloting a B-17G bomber on a mission to destroy some marshalling yards, Flight Officer Doerschlag’s aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft artillery, and its right wing caught fire. Despite the hazardous condition encountered, Flight Officer Doerschlag stayed with his violently spinning aircraft until his surviving crew bailed out and the B-17G exploded, sending him through the flight deck and into a lake. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Flight Officer Doerschlag reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.