The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Edward J. Krauk (ASN: 15118161), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as engineer-gunner in a B-25 type aircraft of the 445th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group. On 25 February 1945 Staff Sergeant Krauk flew in an attack upon a railroad bridge near Campo, Italy. Upon commencement of the bomb run, shell fragments from intense anti-aircraft fire holed the left wing tank and severed a fuel line. Immediately gasoline flooded the bomb bay and fumes filled the rear of the aircraft. Despite the danger of explosion, Staff Sergeant Krauk, realizing that the fuel supply would soon become exhausted, removed his parachute and catching up a first-aid kit lowered himself into the bomb bay. With spraying gasoline saturating his clothing, Staff Sergeant Krauk skillfully joined the severed ends of and using bandage and tape reduced the flow of fuel to a minimum. As a result of his courage and resourcefulness, Staff Sergeant Krauk’s pilot was able to return the B-25 successfully to base. On sixty combat missions his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.