Second Lieutenant Otis G. Lancaster of Hamilton, Mississippi receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross in May 1945 for mission flown on 18 April 1945 to Pilsen Czechoslovakia. R E S T R I C T E D HEADQUARTERS 3D AIR DIVISION Office of the Commanding General APO 559 GENERAL ORDERS 22 May 1945 NUMBER 1027 AWARDS OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS Under the provisions of Army Regulation 600-45, 22 September 1943, and pursuant to authority contained in letter 200.6, Headquarters Eighth Air Force, dated 23 September 1944, Subject: “Awards and Decorations,” the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS is awarded to the following-named Officers for extraordinary achievement as set forth in citation. * * * OTIS G. LANCASTER, 0830871, Second Lieutenant, Army Air Forces, United States Army. For extraordinary achievement while serving as pilot of a B-17 aircraft on a heavy bombardment mission to Kolin, Czechoslovakia, April 18, 1945. Prior to reaching the target Lieutenant Lancaster lost altitude when he drew only partial power from one of his engines. Noticing his position below the formation, an enemy fighter attacked, hitting another engine which became inoperative. Though prepared for an emergency landing, Lieutenant Lancaster brought his plane to the English coast where he lost the use of all but one engine. Undaunted, he skillfully landed his plane safely on the one remaining engine without incurring further damage to plane or crew. The outstanding airmanship, courage, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lancaster on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces of the United States. * * * BY COMMAND OF BRIGADIER GENERAL HARBOLD: BEN RIMERMAN Colonel, GSC, Chief of Staff. OFFICIAL: John F. Thomas Major, Air Corps, Actg Adj General. Distribution: A