Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 87 (November 8, 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) Lowell Kermit Brueland (AFSN: 9422A/ASN: 0-730366), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force. On 28 July 1944, during a fighter sweep in the St. Lo area, Captain Brueland fearlessly led his eight-ship formation in an expertly executed attack on over sixty fighter and fighter bomber airplanes which were headed for the Allied front lines. In the ensuing combat, Captain Brueland destroyed three enemy fighters and damaged a fourth. Through his expert leadership, superior aerial proficiency, tactical technique, and extraordinary heroism against tremendous odds, the enemy fighters were completely dispersed and driven off. In addition the fighter bombers were forced to jettison their bombs, thus eliminating the threat to the Allied front. His actions on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.