(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Stephen Clayton Shelton (ASN: 0-81008), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 342d Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 13 September 1944, during a bombing mission against the Blackhammer Oil Refinery in Austria. Over target his bomber was heavily damaged and, filled with smoke, went into a spin from 26,000 feet down to 10,000 feet before Lieutenant Shelton was able to control his aircraft, enabling his crew to bail out. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.