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) Samuel T. Battalio (ASN: 0-706281), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Bombardier in a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 527th Bombardment Squadron, 379th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 19 September 1944, over Europe. On that date, First Lieutenant Battalio was serving as Lead Bombardier of a heavy bombardment combat wing on a bombing mission over enemy occupied territory. As his airplane approached the primary target, Lieutenant Battalio was severely wounded by a burst of flak which fractured one of his legs and caused multiple lacerations on his right arm. Unfavorable weather conditions restricted visibility and as he was under orders not to release his bombs unless sighting was perfect, he proceeded to the secondary target and despite the severity of his wounds, insisted upon two runs on it in a futile attempt to sight the target. Although weak from loss of blood, and despite the intense anti-aircraft fire, he coolly continued his search, finally located a suitable objective and dropped his bombs directly on target. First Lieutenant Battalio’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.