(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel (Air Corps) Russell Alger Wilson (ASN: 0-17164), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commander, 3d Air Division, EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 6 March 1944, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Colonel Wilson flew in an H2X- equipped B-17 with the leading 385th Bombardment Group in the second daylight bombing raid over Berlin Germany. The leading wing had not encountered any serious fighter opposition, but over the precincts of Berlin heavy flak was put up directly in the path of the command aircraft. After taking more than one direct hit, the aircraft continued on its bomb run although one engine was on fire. Then it began to lose altitude and the pilot gave the order to abandon. Seconds later the bomber exploded, killing eight of the twelve men aboard. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Wilson on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.