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 Staff Sergeant William Thomas Lee Werner (ASN: 13157584), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 427th Bombardment Squadron, 303d Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 22 February 1944, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. Before reaching the target Sergeant Werner was seriously wounded by a 20-mm. shell. He realized that with most attacks being made from the tail the ship would be doomed unless a steady stream of fire was maintained from the tail gun. In spite of his painful wounds he stayed at his post and destroyed at least one enemy fighter. Although wounded again by anti-aircraft fire and becoming weaker from loss of blood, he heroically stayed at his guns until all fighter attacks ceased before letting crew mates give him first aid. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Werner on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.