For extraordinary
achievement while participating in aerial flight on a combat mission
against the city of Tokyo, Japan, 11 June 1945. During the bomb
run, one enemy fighter firing an automatic cannon hit the left wing
with explosive shells, blowing a four-foot in diameter in the outboard
section. This sudden loss of wing surface threw the plane temporarily
out of control, but with great skill and almost superhuman effort,
2LT Massopust and the A/C were able to straighten the disabled plane
and bring it back on course. Disregarding the consequent decrease
in airspeed, which forced them to drop behind and below the protection
of the other places in the formation, the plane was held unfalteringly
to the briefed course over the target. Enemy fighters singled them
out and pressed their attacks vigorously against the crippled bomber.
One attack disabled both forward turrets so that no defense could
be affected against numerous head-on attacks. Another enemy fighter
wounded 1LT Richard Nowicki (B) and rendered the bombsight and a
large portion of the planes electrical system inoperative. 2LT Massopust
then struggled alone with the controls to hold the plane on course
while the 1LT Jerry Duty (A/C) pulled Nowicki from his position
and applied life saving first aid. During the hour and fifteen minutes
over the Japanese mainland more than forty separate fighter attacks
were encountered and the airplanes was riddled with bullet holes
in addition to the complete panel torn from the left wing. Displaying
outstanding ability and undaunted courage 2LT Massopust by carefully
conserving his fuel, successfully flew the disabled plane back to
his home where he executed a perfect landing. His quick, cool thinking
and superb display of airmanship under the hazardous conditions
encountered reflect great credit on himself and the Army Air Forces
