Ira's Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross

Today is the six-month anniversary of my Dad's death. I am still working to accept that I am not going to see or speak with him again save in my memory, and maybe in dreams.

Meanwhile, I recently received a photocopy of his citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross, after requesting a copy from the National Archives. The bottom of the page is burned; there was a huge fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis back in 1973. But the text remains clear. It reads:

"Wellins, Ira, 1st Lieutenant, AC (Air Corps), 11 June 1945.

"For extraordinary achievement while serving as Special Purpose Navigator of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over enemy territory from 6 October 1944 to 18 April 1945. On these occasions Lieutenant Wellins exhibited consummate skill and attention to detail in the execution of assigned tasks. The navigational proficency demonstrated by this officer in attaining a high degree of timing and coordination in all phases of these attacks contributed materially to the successful bombardment of enemy installations. The courage, coolness, and skill displayed by Lieutenant Wellins on these operations reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."