Arthur Duckstein was credited with 1 aerial victory in World War I.
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Arthur Duckstein was credited with 1 aerial victory in World War I.
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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 Service) Arthur William Duckstein, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 1st Aero Squadron, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., between Montrebeau and Exermont, France, 29 September 1918. While on a special command reconnaissance to ascertain whether or not there was any concentration of enemy troops between Montrebeau and Exermont which might indicate a possible counterattack, this officer obtained information of the very greatest value. Flying over the enemy’s lines at an altitude of less than 200 meters, in spite of most unfavorable atmospheric conditions, in the presence of numerous enemy aircraft, and under continuous heavy rifle and machine-gun fire from the ground, he spotted enemy troops massed for counterattack and, although severely wounded by a machine-gun bullet from the ground, continued his mission until he had clearly and accurately located the position. He then returned and, though suffering from the pain of his wound, succeeded in writing out and dropping a clear and complete message. The counterattack, launched shortly afterwards by a fresh enemy division, was crushed, and the accurate and timely information brought back by Lieutenant Duckstein, after a very gallant flight under highly adverse conditions, was of the greatest importance in this success.