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 Captain (Air Corps) Walter F. Michaels (ASN: 0-794342), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 3d Fighter Group, FOURTEENTH Air Force. Flying from bases in China as Pilot of fighter type aircraft, this officer distinguished himself while participating in fifty combat missions completed between 5 May 1943 to 11 November 1944. Although fire from enemy ground installations and hostile aircraft was encountered on many of his flights, he carried out his missions with aggressive determination and is credited with having inflicted heavy losses on the enemy in personnel and materiel. He flew dive-bombing, strafing, bomber escort, reconnaissance and interception missions directed against enemy installations, lines of communication and supply and troop concentrations. Many of his flights were made through adverse weather and over mountainous areas with a minimum of navigational aids. The outstanding skill and courage of this officer demonstrated in combat against the enemy reflect great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.