(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Technical Sergeant Louis Norman Kase (ASN: 33059883), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Radio Operator and Gunner on a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 564th 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, Technical Sergeant Kase acquitted himself with great skill as his aircraft flew through one of the most heavily defended areas of Europe. When the plane on which he served was severely damaged, and, despite the fact that gasoline was streaming from one of its damaged fuel tanks, continued on, in the face of almost insurmountable odds. Over the blazing target, Staff Sergeant Kase, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, remained steadfast at his station. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Kase 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.