The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Joseph Frank Wehner, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Rouvres, France, 15 September 1918. While on a mission First Lieutenant Wehner found an enemy patrol of eight machines attacking a single American observation machine. He immediately attacked, destroying one and forcing another down out of control, his own plane being badly damaged by enemy machine-gun fire. He managed to convey the American plane to safety.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Service Cross
-
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ServiceRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Service)Batallion:
27th Aero SquadronRegiment:
1st Pursuit GroupDivision:
American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
September 16, 1918
War Department, General Orders No. 138 (1918)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Joseph Frank Wehner, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Mangiennes and Reville, France, 16 September 1918. Amid terrific anti-aircraft and ground machine-gun fire First Lieutenant Wehner descended, attacked, and destroyed two enemy balloons. One of these balloons was destroyed in flames after it had been hauled to the ground and was resting in its bed.