(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Major (Air Corps) Richard Paul Gatterdam (ASN: 0-791298), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in the European Theater of Operations, during World War II. Major Gatterdam’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.