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) Frederick Eugene Helmick (ASN: 0-731067), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Bombardier of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy) while participating in a bombing mission over enemy occupied continental Europe on 14 October 1943. The aircraft in which he was serving as Bombardier was viciously attacked by a large force of enemy fighters, and despite a two and one half hour running battle, Lieutenant Helmick released his bombs directly on the vital target. After reaching the target area the navigator and Lieutenant Helmick were gravely injured. Ignoring personal safety Lieutenant Helmick administered first aid, thereby saving the navigator’s life, continued to man his guns, destroying two enemy fighters, and navigated the badly damaged plane safely to the home base without navigation equipment or maps. The extraordinary heroism, skill, coolness, determination and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Helmick materially aided in saving lives, destroying enemy fighters, destroying an important target, and in the safe return of the aircraft and crew.