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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Kevin Shepherd, Second Lieutenant, Air Corps, 352 nd Bombardment Squadron, 301 st Bombardment Group, United States Army for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. On 15 April 1944, Lieutenant Shepherd was the pilot of a B-17 type aircraft on an enemy rail center in Rumania. While successfully bombing the target, enemy anti-aircraft fire damaged three (3) engines and badly riddled the entire tail section of his plane. Displaying extraordinary airmanship Lieutenant Shepherd and his pilot maintained formation and flew to the coast of Yugoslavia. There, one (1) engine caught on fire, which disabled the electrical system, and two other engines began to malfunction. When a dive from eleven thousand (11,000) feet to one hundred (100) feet failed to extinguish the flames, Lieutenant Shepherd and his pilot, by great effort, pulled their plane out of the dive. The sharp pullout tore the burning number three (No 3) engine and nacelle from the mounting, thereby saving the plane from destruction. Despite the unbalanced and almost unflyable condition of their plane, Lieutenant Shepherd and his crew were determined to reach friendly territory. By use of extraordinary flying ability the plane was flown for one (1) hour and twenty (20) minutes until exhaustion of the fuel supply forced a water landing. Although the bomber was crippled and greatly underpowered, a successful water landing was effected without injury to any crew member. Lieutenant Shepherd's outstanding gallantry, and extraordinary skill was a vital factor in the safe return of his entire crew. By his courage, leadership, and intense devotion to duty, Lieutenant Shepherd has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.