AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  P-47

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Fred K. Martin (then First Lieutenant) for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-47 type aircraft. On 18 April 1944, Captain Martin led a formation ordered off to dive bomb a rail bridge near Siena, Italy. Through his skillful leadership, the flight scored several direct hits on the target to the disruption of vital enemy supply line. Captain Martin then destroyed twenty rail cars and an ammunition dump by daring low-level strafing attacks despite enemy anti-aircraft fire. Enroute to base, he circled one Pilot of his formation who was forced to ditch his severely damaged ship in the sea; although Captain Martin had an inadequate fuel supply and there were enemy aircraft in the vicinity. His coolness and devotion to duty resulted in the rescue of the endangered pilot. On more than 115 combat missions his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.