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This picture shows Major Charles C. Kegelman becoming the first American serviceman to be decorated for gallantry in action in the European theatre during the Second World War. He was awarded the D.S.C. for his performance during the first USAAF operation over occupied Europe on 4 July 1942. This was an attack on a German airfield in Holland, flow in Douglas Boston bombers borrowed from the RAF. Kegelman returned to base despite having lost one engine.
In this text accompanying this picture the figure pinning on the D.S.C. is identifed as Major General Spaatz. Some sources give this role to General Eisenhower, but by the time of this award ceremony he was already a three star general. The other three members of his crew received the D.F.C.