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 Staff Sergeant Wilmer L. Gardner (ASN: 33559525), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a left waist gunner of the 95th Bombardment Group (Heavy), on numerous bombardment missions against enemy installations over German occupied Continental Europe during World War II. Sergeant Gardner repelled numerous hostile fighter attacks by his excellent marksmanship, thereby assuring the safety of the crew and aircraft. His courage, presence of mind and devotion to duty while engaged in aerial combat on all these occasions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Force.