Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 97 (December 11, 1944)
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 Captain (Air Corps) Carlos Maurice Talbott (ASN: 0-25797), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 11 September 1944, during an air mission over in the European Theater of Operations. On that date, while furnishing direct support for ground units advancing towards the German border, Captain Talbott’s squadron was attacked by a large fighter formation. Supported by only one other airplane, Captain Talbott attacked a second enemy fighter formation which was attempting to reinforce the main fighter attack. Then, after his wingman was forced to abandon his position under heavy fire, he continued single-handedly to engage the enemy, nullifying their attack upon his squadron and destroying two of them before his own plane caught fire and had to be abandoned. The outstanding heroism, perseverance, and skill displayed by Captain Talbott on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.