(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) Leonard Billingsley (ASN: 0-376799), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Medium Bomber in the 434th Bombardment Squadron, 12th Bombardment Group (M), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 7 August 1943, against enemy targets in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Captain Billingsley was wounded by German anti-aircraft flak and his co-pilot was killed instantly by the flak. After failed attempts to get the damaged plane back to base, but he was able to get the aircraft over friendly territory before he ordered the crew to bailout. The turret gunner remained on the B-25 to help Captain Billingsley keep the aircraft in the air while the other three crew members bailed out. Both airmen died in the crash of the aircraft into the sea off the coast of Sicily. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Billingsley 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 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.