The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert W. Horton (ASN: 0-736522), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 566th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, First Lieutenant Horton was Pilot of a B-24 bomber assigned to drop bombs on the refineries. Flying in at an altitude of about 200 feet, Lieutenant Horton pierced bristling defenses and, showing fearlessness and determination of the most extraordinary kind, reached the target and enabled it to be bombed. His heroism in the face of deadly peril has added luster to the record of achievement of the United States Air Forces. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Horton on this occasion, at the cost of his life, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.