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) Donald Frederick Wagner (ASN: 0-735844), 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 Bomber of the 720th Bombardment Squadron, 450th Bombardment Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces during an attack on 5 April 1944, on the railroad marshaling yards at Ploesti, Romania. The target was sharply defended by an unusual concentration of heavy antiaircraft guns and a possible total of 205 fighter aircraft focused attacks against the lad squadron of which Lieutenant Wagner was a member. His craft was severely hit, causing a blazing inferno in the loaded bomb bay. Lieutenant Wagner displayed cool courage and intrepid leadership in directing his crew to abandon the aircraft. Personally and after a great deal of effort, he helped an unconscious crew member to safety. Lieutenant Wagner was entirely cognizant of his own precarious position, attributed to the imminent danger of the aircraft exploding, but despite this his heroic action resulted in all members of his crew being saved at the sacrifice of his own life. His exemplary conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.