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 Lyle P. Heineke, United States Army Air Forces, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an Aerial Gunner while assigned to the 64th Bombardment Squadron, 43rd Bombardment Group, Fifth Air Force, Clark Air Field, Philippines. On 11 May 1945 while on a strategic bombing run and experiencing intense anti-aircraft over Toshien, Formosa, Sergeant Heineke’s exceptional heroism and courage was displayed while encountering heavy artillery fire on this bombing run, when Sergeant Heineke’s aircraft sustained a direct hit. The hit prevented the aircraft’s bomb release to function and allow munitions’ release, while seriously injuring the nose gunner and aerial photographer. Without any regard to his personal safety, Sergeant Heineke courageously took the dangerous catwalk across the open bomb bay without a safety harness to reach the munitions’ manual release. His quick actions enabled the aircraft to score a direct hit to the target. Then without hesitation, Sergeant Heineke quickly resumed his aerial gunner duties until out of anti-aircraft range, and administered emergency medical aide to injured crewmembers until return to home station. Sergeant Heineke exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship when his crew experienced direct hit by flak to their aircraft, which put a large hole in wing and right tire, Sergeant Heineke shot the left tire out making it safe to land the plane. While under intense anti-aircraft fire during the bombing run the bombs wouldn’t release, Sergeant Heineke volunteered to go in the open bomb bay to manually release the bombs over the target for a direct hit. Sergeant Heineke demonstrated expert skill and outstanding airmanship by successfully and expertly shooting out the aircraft tire and manually releasing the bombs and administering medical aide to an injured crewmember. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Heineke reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Corps.