Back and front view of jacket worn by Stanley Koropsak. 

Podington Sept 1943 through May1944. 

What Happened on the Mission

 The B-17 came under attack from numerous enemy aircraft, mostly Messerschmitt bf-109's...  The cockpit was hit by exploding 20mm cannon rounds, wounding both the pilot and co-pilot...2 Lt. Wallace C. Upson - (co-pilot) -was seriously wounded in his left forearm, neck area, Adam's apple, across left eye, left leg by the exploding cannon fire...1 Lt. Bernard Makowski - pilot -was hit by the 20 mm wounding his right hand,  both were wounded during  fierce e/a (enemy aircraft)  attacks...

 While Under Constant Attack on the bomb run...
2 Lt. Stanley F. Koropsak - (bombardier) - managed to release his bombs accurately
upon leaving target area, Lt. Koropsak manned the nose guns, his efforts warded off numerous fierce attacks
 by enemy fighters and he destroyed one enemy aircraft.  When the attacks finally  ended, he moved Upson (co-pilot) from the cockpit and gave him first aid
then Lt. Koropsak flew a/c back to England and helped the wounded pilot Makowski, land the damaged aircraft

T/Sgt. Ralph L. Shaw - E - also gave first aid to Lt. Upson

Lt. Koropsak and Sgt. Shaw were awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses in February 1944 for their efforts on this mission.