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 Colonel (Air Corps) Darr Hayes Alkire (AFSN: 298A/ASN: 0-16639), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Group Commander, formation leader, and Pilot of a B-24 type aircraft the 449th Bombardment Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in the Mediterranean Theater of Action. On 31 January 1944, Colonel Alkire led his formation on a bombing mission against an enemy airdrome in Italy. Through his exceptional leadership, the bombing run was an example of exceptional coordination between pilot and bombardier in the face of heavy, intense and very accurate flak, and resulted in the successful smashing of the assigned target. although the opposition was intense, Colonel Alkire did not turn nor waver, and grave damage was inflicted on hangars, installations, and administration and quarters buildings. Immediately after the bombs were away, Colonel Alkire’s plane was hit by a burst of flak. His plane was observed to make a turn in an opposite direction, and, from the standpoint of the remaining planes it was obvious that Colonel Alkire had relinquished leadership thereby giving the deputy group leader an opportunity to take control of the leaderless group and to conduct them back to the base in safety. By his flying skill and gallant leadership, Colonel Alkire reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service. great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.