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 award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Richard E. Evans for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight In the Mediterranean Theater of Operations as group leader and pilot of a B-17 type aircraft. On an attack upon the marshaling yards at Padua, Italy, on 16 December 1943, Major Evans led a formation of thirty-two (32) Flying Fortresses, and despite prohibiting weather conditions as evidenced by poor visibility and heavy undercast, Major Evans exercised sound judgment and great skill so as to reach the target with the entire formation. Unable to follow the scheduled plans, Major Evans regrouped his flight and by entering upon a second method of attack took full advantage of a cloud opening to make possible the outstanding fulfillment of his mission which resulted in grave damage to this highly important enemy rail center. By his aggressive undertaking and initiative under difficult, perilous conditions, together with his superior leadership and devotion to duty throughout his outstanding record of over fifty (50) combat missions against the enemy, Major Evans has upheld the highest traditions of the Military Service and has reflected great credit upon himself and the Army Air Force of the United States.