AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  B-17F

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Joseph R. Myshrall for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the North African Theatre of Operations as tail-gunner of a B-17F type aircraft (s/n 41-24437 "Thunderbird"). On 18 June 1943, while on a raid over Messina, Sicily, S/Sgt. Myshrall's aircraft, after the loss of Nos. one and two engines, was forced to leave the formation, and dive for the protection of the sea. Immediately thereafter, his aircraft was intercepted by twenty-five ME 109's and FW 190's. Remaining cool and calm, and keeping the pilot and crew informed as to the locational tactics of the attacking enemy fighters, S/Sgt. Myshrall succeeded in destroying two Me 109's and dispatched the remainder of the enemy fighters. While making a forced landing on the Island of Pantelleria, S/Sgt. Myshrall's aircraft was again attacked by four FW-190's, he again aided greatly in the dispersing of these enemy fighters. S/Sgt. Myshrall's courage and skill have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."