AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  B-25

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Carl C. Gage, 71st Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group (M), Air Corps, United States Army, Bombardier for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight against enemy installations near Salamaua, New Guinea on 30th June 1943. This crew was separated from its flight due to bad weather, but continued to the target area in the hope of rejoining the flight. Arriving over the area alone with all approaches to the target barred by low hanging clouds and broken ceiling ranging from zero to 12,000 feet, the pilot continued to circle, hoping to rejoin the other aircraft. Rather than return with the bomb-load or salvo it, the crew elected to make an individual bombing run on known anti-aircraft positions along the Salamaua Isthmus. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire which damaged the bomber, the load of eight 300 pound instantaneously fuzed bombs were dropped and four direct hits were scored on the Isthmus. Later information disclosed that the naval commander, in charge of the enemy's naval defense forces based at Salamaua, was killed. On the return trip the same dangerous flying conditions were encountered but the aircraft was landed safely. The courage, ability and devotion to duty displayed by these crew members while accomplishing this extraordinary feat, are in keeping with the finest traditions of the service.