(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Walter Lester Glass, Jr. (ASN: 0-789158), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 815th Bombardment Squadron, 483d Bombardment Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action on 7 October 1944, in a bombing mission against the oil refinery at Vienna, Austria. Over the target at 28,000 feet with the bomb bay doors open, a flak shell exploded at the radio room door, blowing a huge opening about in the right side of the fuselage. The plane began to lose altitude and fall behind the formation. It was soon discovered that three 1,000-pound fully-armed bombs had not fallen out before the B-17 was hit. Two crew members, using a screwdriver, were able to trip the bomb release for the 3 bombs in the bomb bay racks, eliminating that hazard. The number 4 engine caught fire and, although it was quickly extinguished, the feathering mechanism failed to function and the propeller began to windmill with the accompanying vibration causing the propeller shaft to seize, bringing the propeller to a stop. The oxygen system was destroyed so the plane dropped down to 7,000 feet. The radio didn’t work; the hydraulic system was useless; one engine was inoperative; the right rudder controls were non-existent; most of the parachutes were full of holes; and some crew members were gravely wounded. Captain Glass had no other choice than to try to land with an extended ball turret with its guns pointed forward and downward at a 45-degree angle (a crucial problem when landing). When the plane arrived over its base at Steparone, Captain Glass made a straight-in approach using a tail-high landing and the ball turret cleared the ground by inches. Captain Glass’ extraordinary flying skill and his unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.