(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) William Frees Haning, Jr. (ASN: 0-428817), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 11 March 1943, in the Southwest Pacific Area. On this date First Lieutenant Haning shot down two enemy aircraft in aerial combat. First Lieutenant Haning’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.