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) Douglas B. Barker (ASN: 0-886180), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy while serving with the 322d Bombardment Group (Medium), NINTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations on 25 June 1944. Flying as co-pilot of a B-26 type aircraft dispatched on a bombardment mission against a vitally important railroad bridge, Lieutenant Barker took over the controls of his aircraft when the pilot was severely wounded and the plane badly damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire while over the target. Skillfully maintaining the crippled aircraft in formation, Lieutenant Barker made two runs over the target area. Upon leaving the target area Lieutenant Barker administered first aid to the wounded pilot and was successful in returning the aircraft to base without further injury to the crew or damage to the plane. The outstanding aerial skill and determination exhibited by Lieutenant Barker on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.