(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 Major (Air Corps) Charles King Boyd (ASN: 0-729118), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Pilot of a C-47B Transport aircraft in the 78th Troop Carrier Squadron, 435th Troop Carrier Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces during an air mission on 19 September 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On that day, Major Boyd’s troop carrier airplane, with a crew of 5, was part of a Glider Tow mission to Best, Holland, during Operation Market Garden. The mission included 16 planes and gliders from the 78th Squadron, and they encountered heavy flak and small arms fire over the combat zone. All 16 gliders were able to land safely in the landing zone however, Boyd’s transport did not return. Reports from other planes on the mission indicated that Major Boyd’s plane was hit in the cockpit area, left fuel tank, and engine by either a 20-mm. shell or incendiary machine gun fire. Smoke was coming from the windows in the cabin as the plane pulled up into a stall, fell off on its nose, and crashed. Major Boyd’s expended great efforts to keep the aircraft stable until the crew could bail out, and then died in the crash. Major Boyd’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat, at the cost of his life, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.