The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Thomas A. Stricker (ASN: 0-661571), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 401st Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 26 February 1943 against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. During a raid against enemy-occupied Europe, early in the attack a 20-mm. shell hit and wounded the pilot, who lost consciousness, and Lieutenant Stricker took over the controls to fly it through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and determined enemy fighter attacks until the bombing run was completed. Within a few minutes after dropping their bombs, six of the 10 crew members were killed and the plane itself critically damaged. The plane was almost unmanageable, but Lieutenant Stricker kept it in formation for he entire return flight, and by skillful handling avoided a crash landing. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Stricker on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.