The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major (Air Corps) Dale D. Brannon (ASN: 0-22228), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commanding Officer of the 76th Fighting Squadron. On 22 August 1942, he landed at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands, with the first line of fifteen type F-400 aircraft which this squadron was scheduled to operate from this field. Despite the handicap of shortage of ground personnel and operating equipment he immediately made himself, his pilots and aircraft available for tactical employment in defense of the base. When experience demonstrated that his pilots were at a serious disadvantage in aerial combat due to limitations at high altitudes he made his unit extremely valuable by developing the strafing and bombing technique of his pilots to a point where they were of the greatest assistance in support of our ground forces. On 30 August 1942, when weather conditions forced the enemy to operate below 10,000 feet he and three other pilots of his squadron each shot down enemy “zero” type fighters in aerial combat. His leadership, skillful flying, and sound judgment were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Military Service.