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) Charles Guess (ASN: 0-731505), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as navigator of a B-17 type aircraft. on 12 September 1943, while on a high altitude daylight bombing mission over ***** Airdrome, Italy, a very intense and accurate barrage of anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Just as the formulation approached the target, a bust of flak wounded the bombardier so seriously that he was incapable of carrying out his duties. Unable to drop their bombs, the group leader turned off the bombing run drawing his element with him. During this time Lieutenant Guess hastily administered first aid to the wounded bombardier, adjusted his oxygen mask, and went to the bombardier’s position. He found the glass directly in front of the bomb sight badly shattered by shell fragments thereby impairing his vision. Lieutenant Guess directed the pilot to resume the bombing run and by estimation and verbal corrections, his plane was maneuvered into a position to where the bomb sight could be used. Selecting a portion of the airdrome not covered by the pattern of bombs dropped by the group, Lieutenant Guess dropped his bombs so accurately that a near-perfect pattern of bombing was completed. Safely directing his ship off the target and continuing his navigational duties, Lieutenant Guess set a course for the nearest emergency landing field and then proceeded to improvise a splint and dress the wounded bombardier’s arm. Under these adverse conditions, Lieutenant Guess demonstrated great skill, coolness, and unusual initiative in assuming the added duties and responsibilities of bombardier and navigator. Lieutenant Guess’ quick thinking and unfailing devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.