AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  P-40

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Louis Mastriani for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk type aircraft. On 20 October 1943, Lieutenant Mastriani led his flight in a strafing attack on enemy communication lines and motor convoys near Ancona, Italy. Observing a long railroad train, Lieutenant Mastriani skillfully led his flight through heavy anti-aircraft fire in two attacks, the last of which resulted in a tremendous explosion which shot flames more than 3,500 feet into the air, destroying more than thirty freight cars and many adjacent buildings. As he turned for home, Lieutenant Mastriani strafed a large motor convoy destroying one reconnaissance car, three staff cars and one truck. Lieutenant Mastriani has engaged in more than ninety combat missions through the North African, Sicilian, and Italian campaigns and voluntarily has continued combat flying after completing his tour of duty. His aggressiveness and proficiency have been of high inspiration to all serving with him and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.