(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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Wayne K. Blickenstaff (ASN: 0-728555), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 350th Fighter Squadron, 353d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 24 March 1945, in the European Theater of Operations. In aerial combat on this date Lieutenant Colonel Blickenstaff destroyed three German FW-190s and two German ME-109s to become and Ace in a day. Lieutenant Colonel Blickenstaff’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.