The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) Frank Benjamin Wagner (ASN: 0-23298), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-40 type aircraft and Commanding Officer of the 79th Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force. On 20 December 1943, Major Wagner led a twelve plane formation in close support of allied ground forces in an attack upon a heavily defended enemy position near Orsogna, Italy. Displaying outstanding courage and flying ability as he maneuvered through intense anti-aircraft fire, Major Wagner directed his flight in a perfect run over the objective. All bombs fell in the target area destroying a large number of guns and inflicting many casualties to enemy personnel. Later in the day, Major Wagner led another successful attack upon this same stronghold, thereby disorganizing enemy resistance and enabling friendly ground troops to advance in this sector, His aggressive leadership and outstanding proficiency as a combat pilot reflect Armed Forces of the United States.