The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Lewis E. Lyle (AFSN: 4115A/ASN: 0-364559), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Air Commander of a Bombardment Division composed of B-17 aircraft on a bombing mission over Germany, 3 February 1945. On this date Colonel Lyle exhibited consummate flying ability and inspiring leadership. Although he was forced to transfer to another airplane on the takeoff, the formation which Colonel Lyle was commanding formed on the lead aircraft before reaching the first turning point. Upon arrival at the coast of the Continent, he evinced the utmost skill in completing the flight to target as scheduled in the face of an almost complete undercast. All rendezvous and control points were effected in accordance with the designated flight plan and the entire course to the objective was accomplished as briefed under the capable direction of Colonel Lyle. In the vicinity of the objective he ascertained that target conditions were favorable for visual bombing. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire Colonel Lyle ably initiated a long, steady run through the concentrated barrage without employing evasive tactics in order to attain the highest degree of success. He determinedly led the formation directly to the important enemy installations. Bombs were released with accuracy and vast destruction was inflicted throughout the target area. The outstanding proficiency and unfailing initiative evinced by Colonel Lyle were in large measure responsible for the results achieved on this occasion. The unusual courage and singular airmanship displayed by this office reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Lewis E. Lyle (AFSN: 4115A/ASN: 0-364559), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Air Commander of a Combat Wing of the EIGHTH Air Force on a heavy bombardment mission over enemy territory, 20 March 1944. In spite of weather which was adverse at the take-off and grew progressively worse, he assembled his wing without delay or incident and led the formation through increasingly thick cloud cover over the continent. The extent of visibility was negligible and other wings turned back, but Colonel Lyle, demonstrating the highest degree of proficiency and courage in the face of these almost insurmountable obstacles, continued on to successfully bomb the target and return to friendly territory through the thick overcast. The aggressiveness, skill and superb airmanship displayed by Colonel Lyle on this occasion exemplifies the highest tradition of the Army Air Forces and has been an inspiration to all serving with him.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Lewis E. Lyle (AFSN: 4115A/ASN: 0-364559), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on a number of combat bombardment missions over Germany and German occupied countries from 31 December 1943 to 19 September 1944.