The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant William Edward Brink, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the North Africa Theater of Operations as radio-gunner on a B-17 type aircraft. While over Messina on 25 May 1943, forty enemy fighters attacked his formation. Staff Sergeant Brink was wounded about the head at the onset of this engagement. Resolutely manning his guns, he received further injuries when a shell exploded near his turret. Although dazed and bleeding profusely, he remained at his post, destroying one ME-109 and playing a conspicuous part in breaking up repeated fighter attacks. He left his guns to accept first aid, only after his aircraft was safely out of danger. His efficiency in combat and his unfailing devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.