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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Arthur Herbert Wiegand (ASN: 0-673707), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 550th Bombardment Squadron, 385th Bombardment Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action during a bombing mission over enemy occupied continental Europe on 28 July 1943. Approaching the German coast the airplane in which Lieutenant Wiegand was serving was attacked by a large force of enemy fighters. During the course of determined attack, his airplane was forced out of formation, and Lieutenant Wiegand was wounded by enemy gunfire. Despite the severity of his wounds and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he insisted that they fly on to the target. His pain was so intense that Lieutenant Wiegand fainted several times, but upon regaining consciousness on each occasion he heroically directed the firepower of the plane. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Lieutenant Wiegand on this occasion was an inspiration to his fellow crew members and in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.