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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Donald L. Greene, First Lieutenant, Air Corps, United States Army for extraordinary achievement while serving as Pilot and Co-Pilot of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over Germany, 22 September 1944, 14 October 1944 and 8 November 1944. On all operations Lieutenant Greene demonstrated a high degree of flying ability and exceptional resolution in attacking numerous objectives of importance to the enemy. On 22 September 1944 the Number Two engine of the aircraft in which Lieutenant Greene was serving as Co-Pilot became inoperative and the propeller of the Number Three engine wind-milled violently. The Number Three propeller could not be feathered and the airplane left formation. Lieutenant Greene aided immeasurably in accomplishing an unescorted trip to friendly territory where an expert landing was effected. On 14 October 1944 an accurate concentration of flak was encountered in the target area. Midway on the bomb run a burst struck near the Number Two engine sending fragments through the cockpit. Lieutenant Greene was wounded in the head and rendered unconscious for a short time. Upon regaining consciousness he resumed control of the aircraft and maintained position in the formation. Bombs were released in the target area and Lieutenant Greene effected the safe return of the airplane to base despite increasing dizziness and nausea. On 8 November he evinced unusual aggressiveness and inspiring determination. He piloted the aircraft to a target of opportunity alone where bombs were dropped with only three engines operative, and then completed the flight back to home station. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Lieutenant Greene on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.