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 Staff Sergeant Charles Emil Vondrachek (ASN: 20745381), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving in a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 367th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces while participating in a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe on 1 May 1943. The aircraft in which Sergeant Vondrachek was serving as top turret gunner became the object of concentrated attacks from ground and aerial defenses. All other gunners in the aircraft were wounded and put out of action. Realizing that he was the sole remaining gunner, he redoubled his efforts to ward off the enemy attack. An enemy cannon shell struck the turret and exploded, shattering glass and metal and hurling Sergeant Vondrachek down from his position. In spite of the intense enemy fire and with complete disregard for his own safety, he climbed back into the shattered turret while still in a dazed condition and resumed fire on the enemy airplanes. Sergeant Vondrachek’s heroic determination to fight against all odds and without regard for his own condition contributed most effectively to the successful completion of a vital bombing mission and to the safe return of the aircraft and crew.