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 Captain (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Frederick Ferdinand Ploetz (ASN: 0-431504), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 68th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 20 January 1943, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations. As pilot of a P-40, an integral member of an escort covering bombers on a strike mission against enemy shipping in the Shortland Islands, during an attempted interception by enemy Zero fighters and float biplanes, Captain Ploetz received a severe shrapnel wound in his left arm on the first attack. His airplane was hit in the wing and cockpit, and forced to a level of 1,000 feet. He recovered, tied a handkerchief around his arm, rejoined his flight at 8,000 feet and in spite of injuries received and the intense pain he continued the battle for 15 minutes and succeeded in shooting down one of the enemy aircraft. Captain Ploetz then brought his plane back safely to its base with the rest of the flight. Captain Ploetz’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.