(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 Captain (Air Corps) Louis Theodore Seith (AFSN: FR-9756/0-25457), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber and squadron leader in the 483d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTEENTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 18 July 18, 1944, against the vital enemy airfield at Memmingen, Germany. On that date, due to bad weather, most groups had to return home or divert to an alternate target. The 26 B-17s from the 483rd Bomb Group forged on, alone and on schedule, despite the fact that their fighter escort could not protect them until later. With extraordinary heroism, gallantry and de_termination, Captain Seith led the leading squadron in the bombing attack as ordered, even as German fighters attacked in waves of concentrated fire power. Fourteen B-17s and their crews were shot down as they destroyed 53 enemy fighters. The leading squadron, after Bombs Away, slowed down to give limping comrades fire cover, despite the extreme danger. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Seith on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.