AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The rank of captain, Robert L. Fuiten, P-51 Mustang tac recce pilot from Forest Grove, ore, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his extraordinary achievement in aerial flight against the enemy. On November 28, 1944, Captain Fuiten conducted an artillery adjustment mission and as the citation reads, The objective consisted of four communications targets in an area covered by enemy anti-aircraft fire which seriously threatened the success of the mission. Disregarding the imminent danger, Lt. (now Capt.) Fuiten calmly adjusted the artillery range until the enemy batteries were destroyed. His brilliant performance in the face of heavy enemy fire reflects great distinction upon himself and the Army Air Forces. Captain Fuiten, 25, who already holds the Air Medal and 14 oak-leaf clusters for meritorious flying, has also flown many mission to spot Nazi installations and movements. The pictorial or visual information which he brings back is vital in planning Ninth air Force bomber and fighter-bomber attacks and in providing the ground forces with a preview of potential German resistance. A graduate of New Richmond High School, New Richmond, Wisconsin, he was employed with O.O. Harris, Forest Grove, Ore., when he entered the army in January 1942. Trained first as an aerial gunner, hew was appointed an aviation cadet and won his wings and commission in August, 1943. Overseas since April 1944, he is a member of Colonel James M. Smelley's 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group, the first flying outfit to have operated from headquarters in Germany.