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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Colin Ottawa Villines (ASN: 0-424583), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-26 Medium Bomber of the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FAR EAST Air Force (Detached), in aerial action against enemy surface forces on 4 June 1942, during an engagement near Midway Island. Lieutenant Villines participated in an extremely hazardous and difficult torpedo-bombing mission against the Japanese Navy. He displayed extraordinary heroism throughout the attack, and by his skilled airmanship and courageousness while subjected to intense fighter and anti-aircraft opposition, he was instrumental in the success of the first torpedo attack ever carried out by the Army Air Force. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Villines on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.