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) Melvin J. Robertson (ASN: 0-659030), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Navigator of a Combat Wing of B-17 airplanes on a bombing mission over enemy occupied Europe, 16 November 1943. Shortly after starting on this long mission, most of which was over water, the radio navigation equipment on his aircraft ceased to function. In spite of adverse weather conditions and lack of important instruments, Captain Robertson led the formation unerringly to the target area. He also assisted the bombardier in locating the target, which was exceedingly hard to identify as a result of a heavy fall of snow. After the target had been successfully bombed, Captain Robertson skillfully navigated the formation back to bases in England. The courage and high degree of technical skill displayed by Captain Robertson materially aided in the completion of an important mission and reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.