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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Charles A. Petty (0-743271), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving a Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber with the 514th Bombardment Squadron, 376th Bombardment Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 5 October 1943, during a bombing mission against the Eleusia Air Drome, at Athens, Greece. On that date, Lieutenant Petty was pilot of a B-24 on a mission to bomb a secret objective. Despite heavy flak concentrations resulting in repeated hits to his ship and setting two engines on fire, Lieutenant Petty continued the bombing run, experiencing repeated and aggressive attacks by enemy fighters at the conclusion of the bombing run. Notwithstanding loss of two engines and fires in two parts of his plane, Lieutenant Perry, disregarding his personal safety, remained in his blazing plane in an attempt to help his radio operator and engineer, one of whom was wounded, to safety. While so occupied, the plane exploded. Second Lieutenant Petty’s skill, courage, and extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty made possible the escape of some of his crew, and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.