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 Technical Sergeant Clifford T. Erickson (ASN: 16048109), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while serving as Engineer and Top Turret Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 524th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombardment mission over Germany, 11 June 1943. Just after leaving the target area, the airplane was attacked by a large force of enemy fighter planes. During the attack, Sergeant Erickson received a summons from the pilot’s compartment. On entering the cockpit he found the co-pilot unconscious and the pilot dazed, both seriously wounded. Sergeant Erickson courageously assumed control of the airplane which was being attacked at all angles and skillfully maneuvered it until the bombardier and navigator arrived. After the navigator took over the controls, Sergeant Erickson climbed back into his turret and continued to fire his guns until the attacking fighters were driven off. When this had been accomplished, he returned to the cockpit, took over the controls and piloted the airplane safely back to the home base. The courage, coolness and extraordinary skill displayed by Sergeant Erickson on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.