The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Frank M. Cookson, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy while piloting a B-26 type aircraft participating in a night attack upon an important enemy objective in occupied territory on 7 – 8 July 1944. Prior to reaching the target area his aircraft was subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire and was repeatedly attacked by an enemy night fighter whose machine gun and cannon fire destroyed the interphone system, rudder trim tab and half the rudder, incapacitated the hydraulic system and elevators, and injured the turret and waist gunner before the enemy plane was struck by concentrated fire and was seen to fall out of control in flames. Barely able to control his aircraft, Lieutenant Cookson was forced to salvo his bombs, one of which became wedged in the bomb-bay, and showing great determination, he decided to bring the badly damaged aircraft back to base. Exercising unusual flying skill in the face of the hazards of flying at night through hostile territory, Lieutenant Cookson succeeded in returning his aircraft safely to friendly territory and effected a difficult landing. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Cookson on this occasion reflects great credit both upon himself and the Army Air Force.