(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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Chester Anthony Vitali (ASN: 0-797748), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 24 January 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date First Lieutenant Vitali shot down three enemy aircraft in a single mission. First Lieutenant Vitali’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.