The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Ronald D. Shirlaw (AFSN: 0-794451), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight . Flying as Bombardier-Navigator of a medium bomber, he completed over 200 hours of combat operations against the enemy in China, Indo-China, and Burma between 2 March 1943 to 6 September 1943. Poorly mapped mountainous terrain and adverse weather frequently were hazards with which he had to contend. On many of his missions he encountered enemy fire from hostile aircraft and ground defenses. Despite these dangers, he inflicted heavy damage to the enemy, destroying his installations, shipping, personnel, and equipment. The accomplishments of Captain Shirlaw reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Army Air Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Ronald D. Shirlaw (AFSN: 0-794451), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Between 6 September 1943 and 22 April 1944 he completed 199 hours of combat flight as a Medium Bomber Pilot against the enemy in China, Indo-China, and Burma, bringing his total combat time to 407 hours. On 2 March 1944 he demonstrated outstanding courage and superior flying skill on a mission against enemy shipping. When making a bombing run on an enemy vessel, his plane was struck by anti-aircraft fire which riddled the right main fuel tanks and destroyed a cylinder head in one engine. He flew back toward an advance friendly base but when he was unable to locate it because of poor visibility and lack of radio contact he ordered the crew to bail out, as the remaining fuel was extremely low. One crew member reported his parachute had been torn on the flight and he was unable to bail out. Captain Shirlaw informed the crew that in view of that circumstance he would attempt a crash landing, and all crew members, showing supreme confidence in Captain Shirlaw’s ability, elected to remain in the plane. He brought the bomber through precipitous hills to a safe landing in a small clearing without injury to his crew and with minimum damage to the aircraft. This display of skill and courage typified his deeds which are consonant with the finest traditions of the Army Air Forces.