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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Allen R. Gregory (ASN: 0-822696), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations as pilot of B-17 type aircraft. During the period 20 October 1944 to 21 April 1945, Lieutenant Gregory has flown thirty combat missions with a total of two hundred and thirty operational hours over enemy occupied territory. As a first pilot, flight commander and squadron leader, Lieutenant Gregory has demonstrated exceptional professional skill and superior leadership. On 20 April 1945, Lieutenant Gregory flew on a mission to bomb a strategic railroad marshalling yards in the Brenner Pass. On the bomb run, a barrage of intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered, and Lieutenant Gregory’s aircraft was hit and severely damaged by flak. The electrical system was knocked out, the hydraulic system was knocked out, and #3 engine was damaged. With great skill and cool presence of mind, Lieutenant Gregory maintained his place as flight leader and skillfully continued on the bomb run, enabling the bombardiers to concentrated their bombs on this vital installation. As a result of the flak damage, he bomb bay doors could not be closed and a leak had developed in the oxygen system, causing Lieutenant Gregory to leave the formation after the bombs had been dropped. The oxygen loss made it necessary to drop to a low altitude, and bomb bay doors being open made it difficult to maintain an air speed of more than one hundred and twenty-five miles per hour. Although deep in enemy territory, Lieutenant Gregory decided to remain with the crippled aircraft and make the long journey home. Using all of his professional skill and with a great devotion to duty, he was able to return the plane and crew to the home field. As result of the damage to the hydraulic system, the brakes were inoperative, and upon landing Lieutenant Gregory had to ground loop the aircraft to keep from over-running the runway and crashing into an obstruction at the end of the runway. His skill and coolness throughout the entire flight was responsible for the safe return of plane and crew. On this and many other combat missions, Lieutenant Gregory’s conspicuous aerial skill and inspired leadership have been vital factors in the success of the squadron bombing missions. Such professional skill and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Gregory and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.