(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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Francis Vernon Lael (ASN: 0-667525), 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 723 Bombardment Squadron, 450th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 5 April 1944, against enemy targets in the oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania. After his bomber was severely damaged by flak, First Lieutenant Lael ordered his air crew to evacuate the aircraft and, to ensure that every member of his crew got out safely, he maintained control of the plane until it was too late for him to jump and he died in the crash. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Lael on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.