(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 Staff Sergeant Frederick M. Wilson (ASN: 16039109), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner in a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 342d Bombardment Squadron, 97th Bombardment Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces on a mission to bomb the Bizerte, Tunisia dock son 18 December 1942. His bomber was attacked by three enemy fighters minutes before their bombing run. After Flak hits over the target took out engines number 2 and 4, the Fortress couldn’t keep up with the rest of the Squadron and, falling behind, was attacked again by fighters. The Top Turret Gunner was killed instantly, fire broke out in the cockpit, and the plane rapidly lost altitude. The bail out signal was given, but the bomber was too low for a safe evacuation. Only the Bombardier managed to jump at less than 800 feet, hit the ground hard and later helped rescue some survivors when he reached the crash site near Bizerte where the pilot managed to crash-land the plane. Staff Sergeant Wilson demonstrated extraordinary heroism in his valiant efforts to help his fellow crewmembers on this mission. 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.