The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Julius Wirth Ireland (MCSN: 0-7366), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane and Division Leader in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-211), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the New Britain Area, on 23 January 1944. Participating in a fighter sweep to the Rabaul Area, Major Ireland courageously engaged a numerically superior group of enemy fighters in combat and, pressing home determined attacks, succeeded in destroying two of the enemy planes. His airmanship and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Julius Wirth Ireland (MCSN: 0-7366), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-211), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago Areas, from 17 November 1943 to 3 January 1944. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Major Ireland contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of damage on the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.