AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  B-24

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Constant 0. Maffey for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Flight Engineer and Waist Gunner, 783rd Bomb Squadron, 456th Bomb Group, Fifteenth Air Force, Pantanela, Italy, on 25 February 1945. On that date, during takeoff for a combat mission to Lintz, Austria, the B-24 Bomber at the runway's halfway point, was unable to reach the required 70 miles per hour to become airborne. Realizing the pilot's orders to give emergency power to the turbos would not provide sufficient power for takeoff, Sergeant Maffey quickly adjusted each turbo individually to the absolute maximum setting; a procedure recommended only for maximum power testing on the ground. The aircraft raced over a ditch, passed the end of the runway, bounced one time on the other side, and finally became airborne. His technical knowledge and quick thinking under stress, of the B-24 aircraft's engine system prevented a crash with a full load of fuel, eight 500-pound bombs, and saved the lives of all 10 crew members. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Maffey reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Corps.