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 Richard N. Hyle (ASN: 12137233), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Engineer of a B-17 type aircraft. On 19 January 1944, Sergeant Hyle distinguished himself while participating on a bombing mission over Italy. When approximately eighteen fragmentation bombs, dropped from a plane above him, ripped through the wing of his plane, Sergeant Hyle, despite the danger from six unexploded bombs which had lodged in the wing and the fact that the aircraft was thrown out of control, stayed with the aircraft and aided materially in regaining control. Although the remainder of the crew parachuted to safety, Sergeant Hyle elected to remain and assist the pilot in landing the crippled plane, knowing that there was imminent danger of the bombs exploding, yet also that his assistance was vitally important. By his heroism, personal courage, and devotion to duty as shown throughout over forty-four successful combat missions, Sergeant Hyle has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.