Donald J. Wellings, O-717712, First Lieutenant

Air Corps, United States Army

For extraordinary achievement while serving as navigator of a Combat Bombardment Wing composed of B-17 aircraft on a bombing mission over Germany, 6 November 1944.  On this date the airplane in which Lieutenant Wellings was flying was struck by a direct burst of flak on the bombing run.  The radio compartment was hit and all radio equipment was disabled.  Although numerous navigational aids were rendered inoperative he continued to direct the formation away from the target area by communicating to the Pilot the heads to be flown by written messages and visual signals.  When the aircraft was forced to leave formation Lieutenant Wellings expertly plotted a course toward England.  He guided the airplane over the return course to the English coast and directed the Pilot to an emergency airdrome.  His actions on this occasion resulted in the return journey being accomplished in the shortest possible time and were in large measure responsible for saving the live of the wounded Special Purpose Navigator.  The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Lieutenant Wellings reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.