� � 4. As authorized by Executive Order 9396 (sec. I, WD Bul. 22, 1943), superseding Executive Order 9075 (sec. III, WD Bul. 11, 1942), citation of the following unit in General Orders 250, Headquarters 1st. Air Division, 25 March, 1945, as approved by the Commanding General, European Theater of Operations, is confirmed under the provisions of section IV, WD Circular 333, 1943, in the name of the President of the United States as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction. This citation reads as follows:
� � The 20th. Fighter Group is cited for extraordinary heroism. determination, and esprit de corps in action against the enemy on 8 April 1944. On this date the 20th. Fighter Group, utilizing P-38 aircraft, departed from base in England at 1402 hours to attack ground targets in central Germany. At 1554 hours this unit arrived in the area of Salzwedel, Germany, in combat formation flying at an altitude of 7,000 feet. Although low clouds and ground haze restricted visibility, attacks were immediately directed against two enemy airfields in the vicinity. In low level, aggressive diving tactics this unit directed cannon and machine-gun fire at parked Ju-88, JU-52, HE-177, Do-217, ME-410, HE-111, ME-110 and other unidentified aircraft, creating explosions, fires and considerable damamge. Despite anti-aircraft fire which became increasingly intense as the assualt progressed, these attacks were executed again and again with courage, resolution and skill. Evidence of the determination of this unit in the fulfillment of its assignment was the destruction of 20 enemy aircraft and the damaging of 23 others. After terminating this engagement the 20th. Fighter Group deployed over a broad front, sweeping the area westward on withdrawl. With some elements providing top cover, others made vigorous attacks on enemy installations.
� � At this point a force of fighter aircraft of the German Air Force attacked the formation from the rear. Dislaying the utmost aggressiveness, pilots of the 20th. Fighter Group immeadiately engaged the enemy in individual combat and succeeded in breaking up the attempted interception. Their tactical skill accounted for the destruction of five enemy airplanes. The group then continued on in an unrelenting serach for enemy objectives, proceeding to carry out attacks at extremely low altitudes without regard for the possibility of concentrated opposition at the targets selected. Offensive action was directed against railroad equipment, oil, power and manufacturing installations, and many other targets contributing to the enemy's sufficency. At 1800 hours the 20th. Fighter Group landed at home base, having distinguished itself by heroism of an exceptional nature. This was vividly reflected in the manner in which it fought to destroy or damage 18 locomotives, 50 frieght and oil tank cars, 30 oil tanks comprising 3 oil storage dumps, 4 high-tension towers, 2 hangers, 1 power house, 6 factory buildings, 1 railroad station, 2 bridges, 16 flak towers and gun positions, and 50 enemy aircraft. The high order of tactical skill, unfailing courage, gallantry, and esprit de corps displayed by this organiztion reflect the highest credit on the 20th. Fighter Group and the armed forces of the United States.
BY THE ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
G.C. MARSHALL
Chief of Staff.
OFFICIAL:
J.A. ULIO
Major General
The Adjutant General
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
