AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  P-38

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Walter Pregmon. While participating on a high altitude bomber escort mission over Vienna, Austria on 16 July 1944, approximately twelve (12) ME.109's attacked the rear group of bombers just before the bombing run. Turning into these enemy aircraft Lieutenant Pregmon engaged them in aerial combat. During the ensuing engagement he observed three (3) ME.109's attacking a flight of B-24's from above and behind. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Pregmon courageously attacked these hostile fighters from slightly below and astern, forcing them to break off their attacks before harm could be rendered to these bombers. As the first group of bombers were coming off the target Lieutenant Pregmon observed a lone crippled B-24 being singled out for destruction by two (2) FW.190's. Realizing that this bomber would be shot down unless it received immediate protection this officer courageously attacked these enemy fighters from head-on, forcing the enemy to turn away before they had come within range of this crippled bomber. Hovering protectingly over this helpless B-24 Lieutenant Pregmon fought off several additional attacks by hostile fighters, and despite an acute shortage of fuel, remained with this bomber and escorted it safely back to friendly territory. The conspicuous courage and professional skill displayed by this officer in saving this helpless bomber from almost certain destruction has been of high inspiration to all his fellow pilots. His personal knowledge of enemy fighter tactics has been instrumental in the successful completion of many combat missions. By his outstanding courage and aggressiveness and his unfailing devotion to duty, together with his conspicuous leadership as evidenced throughout forty (40) successful combat missions against the enemy, Lieutenant Pregmon has upheld the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.