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) Hewitt Terrell Wheless (ASN: 0-323870), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 14 December 1941, against enemy targets in the Philippine islands. On this date, while making an attack on enemy warships and transports in the harbor at Legaspi, Philippine Islands, Lieutenant Wheless was attacked by eighteen enemy pursuit planes for a period of twenty-five minutes. During the attack all four gunners were wounded, one fatally. Returning to his operating base, with one engine out of commission, Lieutenant Wheless found that the landing field was obscured by low clouds and a drizzling rain. In that mountainous country it was impossible to reach the field under such conditions. A landing was made with three flat tires, the result of enemy action, on a small barricaded field, in semi-darkness. The only damage sustained was four bent propellers. None of the crew was injured in the landing and wounded members were immediately taken to the hospital. This conservation of personnel and equipment was possible only through the highest order of bravery and flying ability. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Wheless on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.