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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Reginald Leslie Carpenter (ASN: 0-665663), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 67th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. The B-24 piloted by Lieutenant Carpenter was subjected to extremely severe anti-aircraft fire several miles from the target. Rather than take evasive action to save the plane, which might have thrown the formation off its course, Lieutenant Carpenter held straight to his course. Although the target area was covered with exploding delayed-action bombs and ablaze with burning oil tanks, he flew his plane directly over the target at low level, maintaining complete control despite severe damage by fire from ground installations and a terrific explosion which lifted the plane a thousand feet in the air. By his determination, bravery and skillful piloting, Lieutenant Carpenter contributed greatly to the successful destruction of his target and to the survival of his crew. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Carpenter on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.