The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert L. Harriger (ASN: 0-420595), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-39 Fighter Airplane in the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action near Lae, New Guinea, on 30 April 1942. While on a mission to attack enemy-held bases at Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea, Captain Harriger’s flight was attacked by enemy fighters, who dove down on his flight leader. With total disregard for his own safety, he went to the assistance of his flight leader and succeeded in driving off the enemy planes, although he was being attacked from the rear by another enemy. This action by Captain Harriger enabled the flight to continue its mission and make a successful attack on the Lae airdrome. First Lieutenant Harrier’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.