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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Melville R. Bastin for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a B-25 type aircraft. On 6 July 1944, Lt Bastin flew in an attack upon a Railroad viaduct at Vado, Italy. Upon the approach to the target, direct hits from anti-aircraft fire wounded his bombardier, heavily damaged his airplane and rocked the plane from formation. Displaying great courage and superior flying ability, Lt Bastin skillfully maneuvered his crippled plane back into formation for a successful run over the objective, thereby enabling his bombardier to release his bombs with devastating effect upon the viaduct. On more than sixty-five combat missions his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.