Awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross

29 January 1945

HEADQUARTERS 1ST AIR DIVISION
Office of the Commanding General

29 January 1945

AWARDS OF DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

Under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended and pursuant to authority contained in letter, HQ Eighth Air Force, File 200.6, 23 September 1944, subject, HEADQUARTERS 1ST AIR DIVISION
Office of the Commanding General

29 January 1945

AWARDS OF DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

Under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended and pursuant to authority contained in letter, HQ Eighth Air Force, File 200.6, 23 September 1944, subject, “Awards and Decorations” the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS is awarded to the following-named Officers and Enlisted Men.

RAYMOND A. VICHA, 37312855, Staff Sergeant, Air Corps, United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as Waist Gunner of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over Germany and German occupied countries, from 6 May 1944 to 24 December 1944. Throughout these operations Sergeant Vicha demonstrated outstanding ability and an exemplary devotion to duty. On all missions in which he participated he consistently rendered exceptional services in the performance of his tasks. He has flown to heavily defended targets deep in Germany and through his expert gunnery assisted in warding off enemy opposition and in maintaining the integrity of the formation. Sergeant Vicha served with distinction as a crew member of the lead aircraft of a Bombardment Group and Bombardment Squadron on numerous missions, attaining a high degree of coordination with other personnel. On several missions the formation in which Sergeant Vicha was flying was subjected to vicious attacks by hostile aircraft. Fighting from his gun position he aided in achieving maximum firepower and in successfully repelling the enemy fighters. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this soldier on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from North Dakota.

 

The above is an extract of 398th personnel from General Order 643.

Transcribed January 2006 by Jeff Eberle (Vicha).

See also:

  1. 398th Individual Awards - an index to all 398th Individual Awards
  2. 398th Bomb Group Distinguished Flying Cross Awards List
  3. 398th Bomb Group Oak Leaf Cluster to the DFC Awards List
  4. DFC Awards Presentation Photo at Nuthampstead - 29 January 1945 - includes S/Sgt. Raymond A. Vicha and possibly Lt. Mark W. Magnan, S/Sgt. Alfred P. Shadroui, S/Sgt. James A. Himbert, and 1st Lt. John D. Brandstetter.

If you have photos of the awards presentation or have citations not listed, or if you are aware of errors in our listing, please contact Jeff Vicha, our 398th Awards Coordinator.

 

 

Ray Vicha DFC Article

March 7, 1945 issue of the Edgemont (South Dakota) Tribune about Raymond A. Vicha's DFC with the 398th in England. Provided by Jeff Eberle (Vicha) in March 2006.